European Union Asks Thailand-Camboja To Resolve Disputes Through Diplomatic Dialogue

Phnom Penh, Cambodia/ILLUSTRATION/UNSPLASH/Roth Chanvirak

JAKARTA - The European Union expressed deep concern over the growing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, and called on both sides to exercise restraint.

"We have monitored the latest developments around the border between Cambodia and Thailand," said European Commission spokesman Anouar El Anouni on Thursday, July 24, quoted by ANTARA from Sputnik-OANA.

"We are deeply concerned about the recent rising news of tensions, with reports of casualties, including civilians," he continued.

The European Union calls for a deescalation of the Thailand-Kamboja conflict. The two countries were asked to exercise restraint and continue dialogue through diplomatic channels.

"And prioritize the safety of the people," he added.

Regarding the war on the border, Thailand's Health Minister reported 11 civilians, including a child, and one soldier was killed by artillery fire by Cambodian forces.

In addition, 24 civilians and seven military personnel were reported injured. There have been no direct reports of casualties in Cambodia.

"The Thai army condemns Cambodia for using weapons to attack civilians in Thailand. Thailand is ready to protect our sovereignty and people from inhumane acts," the Thai military said.

Clashes came after Thailand recalled its ambassador to Cambodia on Wednesday night and said it would expel Cambodian envoys in Bangkok.

The reason is because a second Thai soldier in a week lost his limbs to a landmine that Bangkok allegedly installed recently in a disputed area.

Regarding this escalation, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim from Malaysia, chairman of the current Southeast Asian block ASEAN, urged them to remain calm. Anwar will speak with Thai and Cambodian leaders to resolve their dispute peacefully.

China conveyed the same concern over the Thai-Kambodia military battle. China is willing to play a role in encouraging de-escalation.

For more than a century, Thailand and Cambodia have been fighting for sovereignty at various points that are unrestricted along their 817 km (508 miles) long land border, leading to minor fighting for several years and at least a dozen deaths, including during a week-long artillery shootout in 2011.

Tensions escalated again in May after the killing of a Cambodian soldier in a brief firefight, which escalated to a massive diplomatic crisis and has now sparked armed clashes.