Thailand Calls for Bilateral Talks with Cambodia Amid Border Clashes

August 9, 2025
Thailand Calls for Bilateral Talks with Cambodia Amid Border Clashes

Thailand has reiterated its commitment to resolving ongoing border conflicts with Cambodia through bilateral dialogue as hostilities continue to escalate. Speaking on Friday, July 25, 2025, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura emphasized the importance of direct negotiations, while also expressing openness to potential mediation by regional partners, notably the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The recent clashes, which began earlier in the week, have resulted in significant casualties, with reports indicating at least 13 Thai civilians and one soldier killed, alongside numerous injuries, including women and children. As fighting persists along the 818-kilometer (508-mile) border, the Thai government has established evacuation shelters and deployed medical teams to assist affected civilians.

"The situation on the ground has improved slightly, but the fighting is ongoing. We have always insisted on resolving this matter peacefully through bilateral mechanisms, and we are now waiting for a positive response from the Cambodian side," stated Nikorndej. He underscored Thailand's long-standing efforts to engage with Cambodia to ease tensions, which have historically flared into skirmishes over disputed territorial demarcations dating back to 1907 during French colonial rule.

Cambodia has alleged that the clashes were sparked by Thai gunfire, a claim that the Thai government has yet to publicly acknowledge. The escalation of violence this year marks a significant increase in tensions that have simmered for decades. In 2011, Cambodia sought intervention from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which resulted in a ruling favoring Cambodia. However, the ICJ did not address the broader territorial disputes, particularly in the contentious "Emerald Triangle" area shared by Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand.

Despite Thailand's insistence on bilateral talks, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed support for a ceasefire proposal put forth by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who currently chairs ASEAN. However, Thailand withdrew its initial backing of the ceasefire plan, leaving the situation uncertain. Nikorndej noted that while Thailand views bilateral discussions as the primary pathway to resolution, it is prepared to consider regional mediation if necessary, stating, "It is a bit too premature for me right now to say that we are ready for any mediation, but countries in ASEAN would be best suited to step in."

In light of the ongoing violence and humanitarian impact, both sides face mounting pressure to negotiate a ceasefire and address the underlying territorial disputes that have historically fueled conflict. As the situation develops, the international community, particularly ASEAN, may play a crucial role in facilitating dialogue and ensuring stability in the region.

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ThailandCambodiaborder clashesbilateral talksASEANNikorndej BalankuraHun ManetPreah Vihear TempleEmerald TriangleInternational Court of Justiceborder disputesregional mediationThai Foreign MinistryMalaysian Prime Ministerterritorial integritymilitary conflictcasualtiesevacuation sheltershumanitarian aidASEAN chairmanshiphistorical tensionsFrench colonial rulepeaceful resolutioninternational relationshuman rightssoutheast Asiaconflict resolutionmilitary engagementgovernment negotiationsregional stability

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