The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has taken a dangerous turn and 27 people have died. So far, 15 people have died and a large number of people have had to flee in violent clashes with fighter jets, cannons and ground troops. At the same time, the Health Minister of Thailand informed that till now 12 Thai citizens have also died in this struggle.
Amid this fierce struggle, Cambodia immediately appealed to unconditional ceasefire after a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Friday. Cambodia’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Cheya Kyo said in a conversation with the media, “Cambodia has requested an unconditional immediate ceasefire, and we also call for a peaceful solution to the dispute.”
Cheya Kio also dismissed the claims of Thailand stating that Cambodia was an attacker in the struggle. He questioned, “How can a small neighbor like Cambodia attack a military power like Thailand?” He further said that the Security Council has called for both sides to “show maximum restraint and resort to diplomatic solutions”, “We are demanding the same.”
Thailand rejected arbitration proposals
At the same time, Thailand has dismissed the mediation of a third party to resolve this dispute and instead instead of bilateral talks. Talking to the news agency Reuters, two Thai officials said that Thailand prioritizes direct conversation rather than mediation to resolve its military conflict with Cambodia. Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nicornadej Balankura said, “I don’t think we still need mediation from any third country.”
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He said that the US, China and Malaysia (who is the current president of ASEAN) had offered mediation to resolve the issue, but Thailand is currently in favor of finding a solution from himself.
Dreadful scene of fight: 15 killed, millions of people homeless
So far 15 people have died and dozens have been injured in these clashes that started on Thursday. According to Thailand’s Health Ministry, more than 1 lakh 38 thousand residents have been evacuated to safe places amid cannon shelling in border Thai cities.
According to the AFP report, five soldiers and eight citizens are among those who died on the Cambodian side, while 35,000 people have been forced to flee their homes. The Ministry of Health of Thailand has also confirmed 15 deaths, including 14 citizens and one soldier.
Root and regional tension
This latest violence has erupted on the 800 km (500 mi) long disputed border of both countries, which has revived deep tension in the area where millions of tourists come every year. The root of the dispute lies in unresolved claims about ancient temples and strategic posts. There have been sporadic clashes during recent years in both countries, but the current war has shocked the entire region. Despite the fight, both sides have avoided declaration of war so far.
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Malaysia’s arbitration offer, Thailand’s refusal
ASEAN President and Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Thursday that he had spoken to the leaders of both countries and urged them to find a peaceful solution. However, Thai Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Ras Jalichandra told reporters, “We appreciate (proposal) and we do not want to reject the help of a third country, but we still believe that bilateral mechanisms have not been fully used.”
It is clear that between the ongoing tension and fighting on the border, Thailand wants a solution on its own terms at diplomatic level. Now it has to be seen when and how the path of direct talks between the two countries opens after this stance of Thailand.
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