‘Thanks, but no need for third-party help’: This country denies mediation offer from China and US amid ongoing border conflict

A fight between Thailand and Cambodia over a border dispute has turned very serious in the last two days. So far, 14 people have died, and most of them were reportedly civilians. Soldiers from both countries opened fire on each other at the border. They used small guns, fired artillery shells, and even launched rockets. As the situation got worse, the United States, China, and Malaysia offered to help solve the problem peacefully. But Thailand, being a small country, gave a strong and clear reply to both China and the US, saying it doesn’t need any third-party help.

However, later, Thailand agreed to Malaysia’s offer to help mediate and find a peaceful solution.

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said on Friday that it has rejected offers from other countries to mediate in its conflict with Cambodia. The ministry made it clear that it wants Cambodia to stop the attacks and that the issue should be solved only through direct talks between the two countries.

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nikorndej Balankura, told Reuters that the United States, China, and Malaysia (which is currently the chair of the ASEAN regional group) had offered to help with talks. However, Thailand wants to handle the situation on its own and prefers a bilateral solution instead of involving outside countries.

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nikorndej Balankura, told Reuters, “I don’t think we need any third-party mediation right now.”

He added, “We firmly believe that solving the issue directly between the two countries is the best way forward. This is a conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, and it should be handled by both sides alone.”

He also said that Cambodia should first stop the violence at the border. “Our doors are still open for talks,” he added.

However, after rejecting earlier offers, the Thai government is now willing to consider Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s proposal to support a ceasefire.

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Any ceasefire must be based on fair and practical conditions on the ground. Thailand puts the safety of its citizens first. Right now, Cambodia’s actions show a lack of goodwill and are putting innocent lives in danger. It is the duty of the Royal Thai Government to fully protect its sovereignty and its people.”

Meanwhile, as clashes continued for a second day, Thai authorities imposed martial law in eight districts along the border with Cambodia.

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