Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow stated on 19/12 that during his phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, "He said very little; I did most of the talking. The US only wanted Thailand's perspective and did not exert pressure on us." Sihasak added that the phone call proceeded smoothly, with Secretary Rubio expressing concern over the Thailand-Cambodia conflict but refraining from pressuring Bangkok.

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow in Bangkok on 17/12. *Photo: AFP*

Following the phone call, Secretary Rubio stated at a press conference in Washington that the US is working to encourage both parties to adhere to the agreement. "We are cautiously optimistic that this goal can be achieved by monday or tuesday next week," he said.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Foreign Minister Wang Yi held phone calls with his Thai and Cambodian counterparts on 18/12. During these discussions, both parties "expressed a desire to de-escalate tensions and implement a ceasefire." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun conveyed that during the calls, Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized China's consistent support for peaceful dialogue and its fair, objective stance. He also affirmed support for ASEAN's mediation efforts. China has also dispatched a special envoy for Asian affairs to Cambodia and Thailand.

Regarding China's statement that "Thailand is ready for a ceasefire," Foreign Minister Sihasak clarified that Bangkok has not yet agreed to a ceasefire, only to de-escalate tensions. He stressed that Thailand is not under pressure from either the US or China, adding that Cambodia must "demonstrate sincerity" before any peace negotiations can commence.

Sihasak outlined several conditions for Cambodia to meet if it wishes to negotiate: direct contact with Thailand, avoiding third-party intermediaries, and a cessation of hostilities for at least one day prior to the start of talks. Thailand also insists that both armies participate in discussions to agree on terms, ensuring any ceasefire agreement "is not merely empty words."

At a press conference on 19/12, Maly Socheata, spokesperson for Cambodia's Ministry of Defense, accused Thailand of conducting a "fabrication campaign" targeting Cambodia's territorial integrity. She urged the Thai military to "return to the path of peace" by honoring the signed ceasefire agreement and bilateral frameworks. "The Thai military must demonstrate good faith through responsible actions and respect for international law, rather than disseminating false information and rhetoric," Socheata stated.

The conflict between Cambodia and Thailand reignited on 7/12, now extending into its 14th day. The violence has resulted in at least 40 fatalities, including 21 soldiers and one Thai civilian, along with 18 Cambodian civilians. Hundreds of thousands of civilians on both sides have been forced to evacuate from the border areas.

By Ngoc Anh (Source: Nation, Khmer Times, Xinhua)