Bangkok: Thailand stated that it will not be "pressured or put at a disadvantage" during the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Monday, which is set to address the ongoing border conflict with Cambodia. Foreign Ministry deputy spokesperson Maratee Nalita Andamo emphasized that Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow would lead a delegation to Malaysia for the discussions.
According to Anadolu Agency, Thailand's stance is firm in its pursuit of peace and its non-threatening posture towards other nations' sovereignty. Thailand has consistently advocated for lasting peace and calls on Cambodia to demonstrate sincerity in this endeavor. The Thai Army has accused Cambodia of targeting civilian areas with BM-21 rockets, impacting homes and the Phanom Dong Rak Hospital. In contrast, Cambodia claims that Thailand has bombed its territory with F-16s, affecting infrastructure and civilian establishments, as reported by the Khmer Times.
China's Special Envoy for Asian Affairs, Deng Xijun, has engaged in diplomatic efforts, visiting Phnom Penh to discuss de-escalation and resolution strategies. Deng met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and other high-ranking officials to stress the need for an immediate ceasefire and the importance of peaceful dialogue. China aims to facilitate constructive communication between Thailand and Cambodia to promote a peaceful settlement of disputes.
According to Thai authorities, the ongoing clashes have resulted in the deaths of 21 Thai soldiers and 1 civilian, while Cambodia's Interior Ministry reported 18 Cambodian civilian fatalities and 78 injuries. Thailand also reported 33 civilian deaths as indirect consequences of the conflict. Despite prior agreements to halt the fighting, tensions have persisted, challenging the peace agreement signed in October in Kuala Lumpur in the presence of US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The long-standing border dispute has a history of violence, including deadly clashes in July.