'We are ready': Thailand open to having M'sia help in diplomatic talks with Cambodia

Thailand has signalled that it is open to diplomatic talks with Cambodia to end the current border clashes.

According to AFP, Thai foreign ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said that Bangkok was open to talks, possibly aided by Malaysia.

He told AFP that "[they] are ready, if Cambodia would like to settle this matter via diplomatic channels, bilaterally, or even through Malaysia".

Malaysia is currently the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), of which Thailand and Cambodia are both members.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said earlier on Jul. 24 that he had spoken to both Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.

Anwar called on both sides to seek a diplomatic solution to the border clashes, and stated that both countries showed "positive signals and willingness" to consider a ceasefire.

Balankura stated that during the call, Anwar aimed to explore ways in which the two countries could "de-escalate the situation" and "whether there is the possibility to hold talks".

About face

The news came on the same day as previous reports that Thailand had apparently rejected offers from other countries to mediate its ongoing conflict with Cambodia, including Malaysia.

It was apparently insisting on bilateral talks between the two nations and that Cambodia must first cease fire.

Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura earlier told Reuters that the U.S., China and Malaysia – which is the current Asean chair – have offered to facilitate dialogue.

However, he said Thailand seeks a bilateral solution to the conflict.

This comes as border disputes between the two countries escalated into artillery exchanges along the frontline for a second straight day, marking the most intense conflict between them in over a decade.

Insists on a bilateral solution

Though border tensions between the Southeast Asian neighbours have long existed, they heightened this year after a brief gunfight along their 817-kilometre-long shared border in May.

The flare-up in hostilities, beginning on the morning of Jul. 24, comes after Thailand recalled its ambassador to Cambodia and expelled Cambodia’s envoy as a response to landmines that injured Thai soldiers.

Both parties accused each other of initiating the conflict, which has since evolved from a gunfight to heavy shelling.

"I don't think we need any mediation from a third country yet," Nikorndej said earlier. "We stand by our position that a bilateral mechanism is the best way out.”

He further stated that the conflict is a confrontation between the two countries, and the Cambodian side must stop violence along the border first.

"Our doors are still open," he added.

Open to help from Asean

Despite the rejection of mediation efforts from third countries, Nikorndej has expressed openness towards talks with Asean nations.

“If we are going to talk about anyone to step in and help, countries in Asean… would be best suited to do this endeavour,” Nikorndej told Al Jazeera, a sentiment he reaffirmed in his interview with Reuters.

He added, “Malaysia is one country that has reached out as the Asean chair, and we have discussed it… with the Malaysian Prime Minister yesterday to explore such an endeavour.”

The Thai Foreign Ministry continued to explain that it has not accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the ICJ since 1960, a position that 118 other UN member states maintain.

Nevertheless, it stays committed to settling the dispute peacefully, per the UN Charter and the principles of international law.

Top photos via Kampuchea Thmey Daily/Facebook, Canva