Thailand Ready for Talks with Cambodia Amid Border Tensions
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the Thai military stated that Bangkok remains committed to peaceful methods for resolving issues with Phnom Penh.
The Thai Armed Forces are prepared to cooperate with independent international organizations, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the International Committee of the Red Cross, in addressing the situation.
The Thai military press unit urged Phnom Penh to engage in constructive dialogue with Bangkok through existing mechanisms to resolve the issues.
In its statement, the Thai Armed Forces accused Cambodia of targeting civilian areas and hospitals, thereby violating international humanitarian law. Bangkok asserted that its military actions are within the framework of legitimate self-defense, adhering to principles of necessity, proportionality, and distinction, and in full compliance with the rules of engagement, with operations solely targeting military objectives.
Clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, involving light weapons, began on December 7 in border areas. On December 8, the Thai army reported that Cambodian forces had shelled its positions along the border strip. The Thai Air Force responded by targeting Cambodian military infrastructure. During these clashes, fifteen Thai soldiers were killed. Cambodia’s Interior Ministry reported that eleven civilians also lost their lives.
The border conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia have displaced over 500,000 people in both countries. Each side has accused the other of violating the ceasefire agreement brokered in July by Donald Trump.
The renewed clashes between Thailand and Cambodia come after President Trump claimed to have ended eight wars, including the conflict between these two nations.
The resumption of hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia underscores the hollowness of Trump’s claims regarding establishing global peace through the use of power.
