Thailand open to Malaysian mediation in resolving border dispute with Cambodia

BANGKOK, July 25: Thailand has expressed readiness to accept mediation from Malaysia to help resolve its deepening border conflict with Cambodia, amidst the worst flare-up between the two Southeast Asian neighbours in over a decade, reports The Star.
Speaking to reporters today, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said Bangkok was open to any diplomatic solution, including third-party mediation.
“We are ready, if Cambodia would like to settle this matter via diplomatic channels, bilaterally, or even through Malaysia, we are ready to do that. But so far we have not had any response,” he said.
The offer comes as Thai and Cambodian forces continue to exchange deadly artillery fire for a second consecutive day along sections of their disputed 800-km frontier.
The clashes-focused near ancient temples in the heavily contested border zone-have already claimed at least 15 lives and injured 46 others on the Thai side, according to the Ministry of Public Health.
In response to the spiralling violence, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn convened an emergency briefing today for foreign diplomats and defence attach s in Phnom Penh.
The meeting, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, aimed to present Cambodia’s version of the escalating situation and garner international understanding.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has positioned himself as a potential mediator.
In a Facebook post late night yesterday, Anwar said he had spoken separately with Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
He urged both leaders to halt hostilities and commit to dialogue, and said he welcomed “the positive signals and willingness” shown by both sides to consider mediation.
Thailand’s foreign ministry confirmed Anwar’s call, saying the Malaysian leader sought to explore “whether we can deescalate the situation… whether there is the possibility to hold talks.”
However, prospects for an immediate resolution remain uncertain, as the acting Thai PM has warned that continued fighting risks pushing the region towards open war.
The crisis is set to be discussed at the United Nations Security Council later in the day, as pressure mounts from major powers urging restraint and a ceasefire.
The roots of the conflict lie in a long-standing dispute over the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple and its surrounding territory-designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
Tensions reignited in May following the death of a Cambodian soldier during a skirmish, which each side blamed on the other.
In recent weeks, tensions further escalated with landmine blasts, mutual diplomatic expulsions, and mounting troop deployments.
According to the Khmer Times, Cambodia’s emergency meeting with diplomats also focused on identifying root causes of the conflict and reinforcing the need for dialogue to prevent further deterioration. (UNI)

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