On December 10, the fighting between Thailand and Cambodia continued for the third day, in the context of US President Donald Trump saying he would call to find a way to end the conflict.
Trump played a median role in helping Cambodia and Thailand reach a ceasefire in July, when the clash killed at least 48 people. At that time, he used the influence of trade negotiations to promote a very fragile ceasefire.
Speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania (USA) on December 9, Mr. Trump recalled the wars that he said he had contributed to stopping, then mentioned the situation in Southeast Asia. He said he would call on December 10 US time, and asked who else could end the conflict between the two countries he called as as powerful as Thailand and Cambodia.
Meanwhile, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said he did not see any conditions for negotiations and did not believe in the mediation role of any third party.
A senior adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Cambodia is ready for dialogue at any time.
Tensions have been rising since last month, when Cambodia said Thailand suspended escalating leniency measures agreed in October. The development comes after a Thai soldier was seriously injured by a mine that Bangkok accused Phnom Penh of installing but Cambodia denied it.
In the border area, both Thailand and Cambodia have evacuated hundreds of thousands of people to avoid danger. The Thai military said its goal was to paralyze Cambodia's military capabilities in the long term.
Cambodia accused Thailand of firing at residential areas, but Bangkok denied it. These developments have put the region at risk of a new round of conflict.
