AFTER Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai offering to mediate an end to the Thai-Cambodian border clashes it was reported that he took this step after being lobbied by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Naewna newspaper and Amarin TV said today (July 25).
Anwar Ibrahim had said in a Facebook post that he called on Thailand and Cambodia to “stand down” following deadly border clashes.
“The least we can expect is for them to stand down and hopefully try to enter into negotiation,” said Anwar, whose country currently chairs Asean. He added that he has sent messages to both prime ministers and looks forward to speaking with them about the “worrying” situation.
Thaksin reportedly called Anwar soon after Cambodian soldiers opened fire at Thai troops at Prasat Ta Muen Thom Temple in Surin yesterday morning with Phumtham to coordinate with the military.
Initially, Phumtham is still waiting to see the military’s stance, as many Thai soldiers and civilians have died and been injured, and he is also concerned that the Cambodian side will backstab the Thai military and seize the disputed area, which will affect Thailand’s sovereignty.
Phumtham said at the Interior Ministry that in principle Thailand did not object to Anwar mediating an end to the border fighting but there must be clarity about any ceasefire from the Cambodian side because Thailand has been trying to negotiate all along without success.
“What happened was a shooting in Thai territory. It was agreed that weapons were not allowed to be brought to Ta Muen Thom Temple, but Cambodia sent armed troops. Therefore, the current situation is where we need clarity and sincerity in doing so (negotiating) because all along there has been provocation by Cambodian soldiers who do not have much discipline, so it has had repercussions,” he said.
Meanwhile Army Commander Gen. Pana Klaewplodthuk is still commanding within the battle zone.
Clashes are continuing to rage with more BM-21 Grad rockets hitting at three residential locations in Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani province, today but fortunately no one was injured as residents had evacuated to shelters earlier.
Col. Richa Suksuwanon, deputy army spokesman, said one house each had been hit by rockets at the first two locations while a road was damaged at the third location.
At the same time the Office of Basic Education Commission has shut 751 schools in risk areas.
CAPTIONS:
Top, below and Front Page: Houses and a road damaged after being hit by rockets fired by Cambodian soldiers. Photos: Naewna
First insert: File photo of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Credit: PPTVHD 36
Second insert: Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai talking to reporters at the Interior Ministry today, July 25, 2025. Photo: Amarin TV
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