Thailand not ready for mediation in border conflicts – Foreign Ministry

Thailand is not ready for dialogue with Cambodia or to accept third-party mediation as the Thai-Cambodia border clashes enter their fourth day today, according the spokesman of the Foreign Ministry.

Spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said the Thai government will consider having a dialogue with Cambodia only when Thailand is assured that its sovereignty and territorial integrity will no longer be threatened by its eastern neighbour.

Speaking at a news briefing, Nikorndej said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has not been contacted by US President Donald Trump who said he will call Anutin and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to try to stop the ongoing border clashes.

However, he said that while Thailand would listen to what the US leader has to say or advise, the Thai leader has made it clear that his government is not ready for a dialogue over the border conflicts for the time being.

“Our response will be along the line that the Thai prime minister told the Malaysian leader that Thailand is not ready for talks,” said Nikorndej, referring to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim who helped broker a peace accord between Thailand and Cambodia in October.

Prime Minister Anutin has declared that there will be no negotiation with Cambodia until the latter demonstrates its sincerity in abiding by the spirit of the peace deal.

Spokesman Nikorndej, however, said the border disputes will eventually be settled through talks. “But the timing is not now,” he said.

He said so far no country has formally come forth with an offer to mediate the disputes.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry has advised Thai citizens living Cambodia to leave the country as soon as possible for their own safety as the tensions between the two countries continue to escalate.

Nikorndej said there are around 800-1,000 Thais living in Cambodia. He said Thais are also advised to refrain from visiting the country for the time being.