Half a million flee as deadly Cambodia-Thailand border clashes escalate

Key Highlights

• Cambodia and Thailand each accuse the other of violating the peace deal. In Washington, Trump told reporters he was due to call the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia on Thursday, and predicted he could settle the hostilities “pretty quickly”. LiveCivilians flee as Thailand strikes targets at border with Cambodia – video“I think I can get them to stop fighting.
• Who else can do that?” Trump said on Wednesday. The US, China and Malaysia, as chair of the regional bloc Asean, brokered a ceasefire back in July, and six weeks ago Trump presided over the signing of an enhanced agreement. But Thailand suspended the agreement the following month after a Thai soldier was wounded by a landmine.
• Thailand alleged the landmine had been newly laid by Cambodia – an allegation it has denied. Political instability in Thailand may complicate future negotiations.
• On Thursday night,the prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, said on social media that he was “returning power to the people”, with reports suggesting he has requested the dissolution of parliament – a move that would pave way for elections within 45-60 days. Analysts say that, with a vote looming, Anutin may try to present himself as a strong nationalist prepared to take a tough stance on the border conflict. Displaced Thai villagers wait for food distribution at a school.
• ungroj Yongrit/EPAThailand’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Nikorndej Balankura, told reporters on Wednesday that the fighting would eventually end through talks, but now was not the time for dialogue.“If any third country wants to mediate, Thailand can’t accept that at this stage because the line has been crossed,” he said.