As escalating tensions continue between Thailand and Cambodia, Thailand has declared martial law in eight districts along the border. This decision comes amid an exchange of heavy artillery fire between the two nations.
Martial Law Announced
Apichart Sapprasert, commander of the military’s Border Defense Command in Chanthaburi and Trat, stated, “Martial law is now in effect” in seven districts of Chanthaburi and one district of Trat. The military leader emphasized that the decision was made in response to “Cambodia’s use of force” to enter Thai territory.
Calls for Diplomatic Solutions
This development follows statements from Thai officials indicating a preference for bilateral negotiations over third-party mediation to address the border dispute with Cambodia. However, acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned that the conflict “could potentially develop into a war,” reaffirming Bangkok’s commitment to defending its territory and sovereignty.
“We have tried to compromise as we are neighbors, but we have now instructed the Thai military to act immediately in case of urgency,” Phumtham stated. He added, “This situation could potentially develop into a war,” noting that it is currently considered an armed clash involving heavy weaponry.
Responses from Cambodia
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed his readiness for a ceasefire but accused Thailand of stepping away from a deal brokered by Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, which was set to take effect early on Friday.
Casualties and Evacuations
According to Thailand’s health ministry, at least 15 people have died in what is reported to be one of the worst Thai-Cambodian clashes in over a decade, with more than three dozen injured. Additionally, over 130,000 civilians have been evacuated from conflict zones in Thailand. Reports indicate that Cambodia has closed 260 schools in the province of Oddar Meanchey, which is at the center of the conflict.
International Involvement
An emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council is scheduled to address the escalating crisis. The US, China, and Malaysia have all offered to mediate in efforts to de-escalate tensions between the two countries.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated his country is willing to play a constructive role in easing the military conflict, attributing part of the blame to the “legacy of western colonizers.” The US has engaged both sides in resolving their differences, with the US embassy in Bangkok emphasizing the importance of a peaceful resolution.
However, Thailand has reiterated its preference for bilateral negotiations. “We do appreciate their kind offers and do not rule them all out,” Russ Jalichandra, vice minister for foreign affairs, told Bloomberg News. “But at the moment, we still want to solve the problems bilaterally through negotiations and existing mechanisms agreed upon by both sides.”
