
Thailand acting PM warns Cambodia clashes may escalate to war
The warning comes as both nations exchanged deadly strikes for the second consecutive day.
'If the situation escalates it could develop into war, though for now it remains limited to clashes,' Phumtham told reporters in Bangkok.
The statement highlights growing concerns over the potential for further military confrontation between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.
The clashes have intensified tensions along the disputed border region, where sporadic fighting has occurred in the past.
Analysts suggest that diplomatic efforts may be needed to prevent further escalation. - AFP

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Free Malaysia Today
6 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Thailand suggests Malaysia host key border security meeting with Cambodia
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim with Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet (left) and Thailand's acting prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai after Monday's meeting in Putrajaya. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Thailand has proposed Malaysia as the neutral venue for the upcoming general border committee (GBC) meeting with Cambodia. Thailand's defence ministry spokesman Surasan Kongsiri said the proposal was in line with the standard international practice of not holding meetings between disputing parties on the territory of one of the nations involved in the conflict, Bernama reported. 'The GBC meeting provides an opportunity to jointly explore a way forward in de-escalating tensions and resolving border and security issues, reflecting our shared commitment to peace, stability, mutual respect, and good neighbourliness,' he said in a statement issued in Bangkok. Surasan said given the sensitive nature of the situation in both countries, it would be more appropriate to hold the meeting at a neutral venue, such as Malaysia. 'While it is acknowledged that, under normal circumstances, bilateral meetings are held on a rotational basis – and that Thailand most recently served as host – this upcoming session is of an extraordinary nature. 'I therefore believe it would be appropriate to convene the meeting at a neutral location,' he said. Thailand's acting defence minister Natthapon Nakpanich is slated to attend the GBC meeting, which Cambodia has proposed to host on Aug 4. Surasan said sufficient time should be given for comprehensive discussions and suggested that the meeting be held from Aug 4 to 7. On Monday, Cambodia and Thailand agreed to a ceasefire following deadly clashes along their border. The agreement was reached at a meeting attended by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet, and Thailand's acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai. More than 35 people have been killed and over 270,000 displaced in both countries since the latest round of hostilities erupted on July 24.


The Sun
8 hours ago
- The Sun
Palestinian student in France investigated over antisemitic posts
LILLE: A Palestinian student from Gaza is under investigation in France for allegedly posting antisemitic messages online, leading to the revocation of her university accreditation. Officials confirmed she will have to leave the country. France's Sciences Po university in Lille cancelled the student's enrolment after accusations surfaced. Lille's chief prosecutor, Carole Etienne, stated that an inquiry has been launched for 'justifying terrorism' and 'crimes against humanity.' A French diplomatic source said the student 'should now leave French territory as soon as possible.' AFP could not immediately contact the student, whose identity remains undisclosed due to the ongoing investigation. Screenshots of posts attributed to the student, shared by pro-Israel accounts on X (formerly Twitter), reportedly included an image of Adolf Hitler and statements seemingly advocating violence against Jews. The account linked to her has since been deactivated following demands by French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. Retailleau asserted that 'Hamas propagandists' should not be allowed in France, referencing the Palestinian militant group governing Gaza. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described her as 'a Gazan student making antisemitic remarks' and vowed to review her visa approval process. The case unfolds amid heightened tensions online over Israel's war in Gaza, which began after Hamas's October 2023 attacks. Israel's military response has drawn accusations of genocide from some rights groups. France hosts the EU's largest Muslim and Jewish communities. Sciences Po stated the student was admitted based on a recommendation from the French consulate in Jerusalem. A diplomatic source noted she arrived on July 11 under a scholarship after security checks. France has evacuated over 500 people from Gaza since the conflict escalated, including students and journalists. President Emmanuel Macron recently announced plans to recognise Palestinian statehood in September, though France insists Hamas must not govern post-war Gaza. – AFP


The Sun
8 hours ago
- The Sun
Putin signs law fining searches for extremist content in Russia
MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law imposing fines on internet users who search for content labelled as 'extremist' by authorities. The legislation, criticised as a crackdown on free expression, penalises individuals up to 5,000 rubles ($64) for accessing banned materials. The law targets searches for web pages, books, music, or artwork deemed extremist. Over 5,000 entries are on the official blacklist, including pro-Ukraine songs, Pussy Riot's blog posts, and anti-Putin websites. The State Duma passed the bill earlier this month despite opposition from some parliamentary groups. Russian opposition figure Boris Nadezhdin compared the law to George Orwell's dystopian novel *1984*, calling it a punishment for 'thought crimes.' The legislation also bans VPN advertisements and fines SIM card transfers, methods Russians use to bypass state censorship. Since its 2022 Ukraine offensive, Russia has intensified online restrictions, blocking platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Many citizens still access banned sites via VPNs, defying government controls. – AFP