Thailand says Cambodia must declare a truce first to stop fighting, as deadly border clashes displace 800,000 and ASEAN plans emergency talks.
BANGKOK: Thailand declared on Tuesday that Cambodia must be the first to announce a ceasefire to halt more than a week of deadly border clashes.
Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maratee Nalita Andamo stated Cambodia, as the alleged aggressor on Thai soil, must initiate the truce. She added that Phnom Penh must also cooperate “sincerely” in de-mining efforts at the frontier.
Renewed fighting this month has killed at least 32 people, including soldiers and civilians, and displaced around 800,000.
Each nation blames the other for instigating the conflict, claiming self-defence and trading accusations of attacks on civilians.
Cambodia did not immediately respond to Bangkok’s new condition for peace.
The statement contradicts US President Donald Trump’s claim last week that both sides had agreed to a ceasefire starting Saturday.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said his country supported a ceasefire initiative led by ASEAN chair Malaysia with Washington’s participation.
Fighting has continued daily since December 7, spreading to seven provinces on each side of the border.
Cambodia’s military, which is outgunned by Thailand, said Thai forces expanded attacks “deep into” its territory on Monday.
Phnom Penh accused Thailand of bombing Siem Reap province, home to the ancient Angkor temple complex, for the first time in this round of clashes.
Officials report the combat, involving artillery, tanks, and Thai jets, has killed 16 Thai soldiers, one Thai civilian, and 15 Cambodian civilians.
Cambodia has not reported any military deaths in the latest fighting.
The conflict originates from a colonial-era territorial dispute over their 800-kilometre border and ancient temple ruins.
A July truce brokered by the US, China, and Malaysia broke within months after five days of fighting that killed dozens.
Thailand suspended a follow-on agreement in November after its soldiers were wounded by landmines at the border.
Bangkok accuses Cambodia of laying fresh mines, an allegation Phnom Penh denies.
ASEAN foreign ministers will hold emergency talks in Malaysia on December 22 to seek a diplomatic solution.
Thailand said between 5,000 and 6,000 of its nationals remain stranded in the Cambodian border town of Poipet.
Cambodia closed its land borders with Thailand on Saturday, calling it a “necessary measure” to protect civilians while noting air travel remains open for departures. – AFP
