Thailand declines external mediation, demands direct talks with Cambodia
This follows Thursday's deployment of an F‑16 fighter jet, which bombed a military target in Cambodia after artillery volleys from both sides killed at least 11 civilians in the latest escalation of border clashes.
Read: Thai fighter jet bombs Cambodia
Moreover, the United States, China and Malaysia—the current chair of the ASEAN regional bloc—have all offered to facilitate dialogue.
However, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told Reuters, 'I don't think we need any mediation from a third country yet.'
Bangkok's stance comes amid a full‑blown diplomatic crisis that saw ambassadors expelled and troops reinforced on both sides after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a brief skirmish in May.
Thailand has maintained that any resolution must await a complete cessation of hostilities before direct talks can proceed.
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