Thailand: Cambodia must first declare a ceasefire before the fighting can stop

Thailand said on Tuesday (December 16) that Cambodia must first declare a ceasefire to end the deadly conflict that has lasted for more than a week between the two countries along the border.

AFP reported that Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maradi told reporters in Bangkok: "As the party invading Thai territory, Cambodia must first declare a ceasefire."

She added that Cambodia must cooperate "sincerely" with the border demining efforts.

The Thai side said on the same day that since Phnom Penh closed its land border crossing with Cambodia last Saturday (13th), about 5,000 to 6,000 Thai citizens have been stranded in the Cambodian border town of Poibe.

The Ministry of Interior of Cambodia said in a statement that closing the border is a necessary measure to reduce the risks faced by civilians in the conflict, and added that they can choose to leave the country by air.

The current border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has entered its 10th day, resulting in at least 32 deaths, including soldiers and civilians, and causing about 800,000 people to be displaced.

Both sides accused each other of provoking the conflict, claiming it was in self-defense, and accused each other of attacking civilians.

Cambodia has not yet responded to Thailand's statement.

US President Trump had earlier facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. He said last week that the two countries had agreed to a ceasefire starting from last Saturday night.

Cambodian Prime Minister Khon Manet said that Cambodia supports the ceasefire initiative proposed by Malaysia, the current chair of ASEAN, with the participation of the United States.

But since December 7th, the fighting has continued every day, and Bangkok has denied Trump's claims about a ceasefire.