Thailand, Cambodia Agree To Ceasefire After Border Clash Intensifies
Earlier in the day, Thailand had turned away mediation efforts from third-party countries to close the ongoing clash with Cambodia.
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a ceasefire but request time to withdraw troops from the border, as per media reports.
Cambodia has agreed to the ceasefire, and Thailand has said that it supports the same "in principle". However, guns were yet to fall silent at the border, reported NDTV.
This development follows the border conflict between the countries, with at least 16 people losing their lives in the crossfire.
Thailand had announced a state of emergency in eight provinces earlier, according to news agency AFP.
An advisory has been issued for the citizens to avoid travel, stay alert and follow official safety instructions as the conflict worsens.
Earlier in the day, Thailand had turned away mediation efforts from third-party countries to close the ongoing clash with Cambodia. It insisted that Phnom Penh stop the attacks and come to a solution only via bilateral talks, according to reports.
Thai foreign ministry spokesperson Nikorndej stated that the current chair of the Asean regional bloc — United States, China and Malaysia — had offered to facilitate dialogue, but Bangkok is seeking a bilateral resolution.
What Is At The Heart Of The Conflict?
Preah Vihear, (known as Khao Phra Viharn in Thailand), an 11th-century Hindu temple, has been the root of conflict between the two countries. Both Bangkok and Phnom Penh claim historical ownership of the temple. The International Court of Justice awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962. However, Thailand has continued to lay claim to the surrounding land.
On Thursday, conflict erupted along a disputed area abutting the ancient temple, spilling over to other areas along the contested frontier and heavy firing continued for a second straight day. Both sides have accused each other of firing first and starting the conflict.
The situation deteriorated last month when former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen publicly leaked a phone call with Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. In the call, Paetongtarn addressed Hun Sen as "uncle" and was heard critiquing a Thai military commander. The leak stirred a political storm in Thailand and resulted in Paetongtarn’s suspension. The country’s Constitutional Court is presently mulling her removal from office.
