Singapore calls for restraint over Thai-Cambodian border row

Singapore has urged Thailand and Cambodia to show restraint amid heightened border tensions and to continue dialogue to deescalate the issue.

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong posted on his Facebook page that his recent official visit to Phnom Penh, which concluded yesterday, was a chance to highlight the need for both sides to exercise restraint, de-escalate the situation and continue dialogue, in accordance with international law.

During his visit, Wong met with his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Manet, and Senate President Hun Sen.

Hun Sen stated on his Facebook page that he discussed the border tensions with Wong. According to Hun Sen, the issue began when Thai soldiers allegedly shot and killed a Cambodian soldier on May 28.

He also claimed that Thailand had unilaterally closed the border and made additional threats.

“Cambodia does not want war with a neighbouring country. We want to resolve the issue peacefully and in accordance with international standards. If Cambodia continues to be abused and invaded, though, we reserve the right to fight back,” Hun Sen told Wong.

Thailand, Cambodia and Singapore are members of ASEAN grouping which has a principle of not interfering in each other’s internal affairs.

Shortly after the tension started in late May, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Chair of this year, made a separate phone call to Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, urging them to solve the problem with calm in the spirit of ASEAN.