Bangkok, July 25, 2025 — Thailand has refused efforts by third-party countries to mediate the ongoing conflict with Cambodia, insisting that the dispute be resolved solely through bilateral talks, according to Reuters. The Thai foreign ministry stated this stance on Friday as clashes along the border continued for a second day.

Simmering tensions between the two countries erupted into open hostilities Thursday, involving exchanges of artillery at multiple disputed locations along their long-standing border. The violence marks a significant escalation in the long-standing dispute, which has swiftly escalated from small arms fire to heavy shelling.

Despite offers of support from the United States, China, and Malaysia—who is currently chairing ASEAN—Bangkok remains firm that external mediation is unnecessary at this time. Thai foreign ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told Reuters, "I don't think we need any mediation from a third country yet."

Both Cambodia and Thailand accuse each other of provoking the conflict, which initially started early Thursday at a disputed site. The escalation quickly intensified, with heavy shelling along the border, fueling international concern over regional stability. The border dispute has existed for more than a century, and recent hostilities threaten to further destabilize the area.

The international community continues to urge restraint from both sides while emphasizing the importance of peaceful dialogue. However, Thailand’s insistence on bilateral negotiations highlights its preference to resolve the issue independently without external intervention at this stage, Reuters reported.