Thailand-Cambodia conflict reignites, Thai Prime Minister sends a letter to Trump, making his position very clear: even if the US imposes economic sanctions, Thailand will not compromise, and this war is determined. At the same time, the King of Thailand has arrived in Beijing, starting an unprecedented visit to China.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin

Recently, the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict has reignited, with the trigger being that Thai border patrol soldiers were injured again by landmines. The Thai side accuses Cambodia of violating the ceasefire agreement and planting new mines again. Subsequently, the Thai Air Force and Army armored units rushed to the border, preparing for "war." Meanwhile, Cambodia claimed that the Thai army opened fire first and killed civilians.

While both sides are accusing each other, Thai Prime Minister Anutin announced that the Thailand-Cambodia Peace Declaration has officially become invalid. From now on, Thailand will resolve the Thailand-Cambodia conflict "in its own way" and ordered the military to prepare for war. The "own way" that the Thai Prime Minister mentioned is clearly a signal to the outside world that this time, Thailand will not accept mediation from a third party.

ASEAN Observation Team arrives at the border of the two countries

It is well known that the Thailand-Cambodia Peace Declaration was signed under the mediation of Trump, which is one of Trump's proud "peace achievements." However, the method Trump used to mediate was also extremely rare. He threatened Thailand and Cambodia, saying that if they wanted to reach a trade agreement with the US, they must cease hostilities. Although this move seemed absurd, it did work at the time.

Now, the Thai Prime Minister's statement is undoubtedly a diplomatic setback for Trump. Moreover, Anutin said he had already ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to write a letter to Trump, clearly stating that even if Trump imposed economic sanctions on Thailand again, the Thai side would not compromise, closing the door for the US to intervene again.

At the same time, Anutin also took care to comfort domestic enterprises. He said that Thailand could not rely solely on the US, and if business with the US couldn't be done, it would naturally seek other partners. Even if Trump imposed tariffs, the burden would be borne by American importers, and Thai companies should unite and cooperate, preparing for "self-reliance."

The King of Thailand arrives in Beijing

Notably, just as Anutin stated that Thailand still had a way out, King Vajiralongkorn of Thailand arrived in Beijing for an official visit. Moreover, Anutin and the Foreign Minister of Thailand will also accompany him. Analysts believe that this unprecedented diplomatic gesture by Thailand is an important measure to balance major powers and demonstrate its diplomatic autonomy against the backdrop of complex geopolitics and great power rivalry.

Although Thailand has close military cooperation with the US, in terms of economic cooperation, China's importance far exceeds that of the US. This visit by the King of Thailand to China is generally believed by the outside world to involve signing multiple economic cooperation agreements, which may become an important basis for Thailand to break free from US control and achieve its "strategic autonomy."

Thailand-Cambodia border

However, there is concern that the Thai government's strong statements may trigger a new round of Thailand-Cambodia conflict. For China, a stable surrounding environment is crucial for its development. Without Trump's "hegemonic pressure," Thailand and Cambodia have more opportunities to express their demands and enhance understanding.

In the short term, the Thailand-Cambodia conflict may continue to be僵持. Thailand has suspended the implementation of the peace agreement and recalled the negotiators; Cambodia, meanwhile, has demanded that Thailand bear responsibility for violating the ceasefire agreement. However, in the long run, the two countries' economies are interdependent, and their border residents have lived as neighbors for generations. Peaceful resolution remains the trend. China still hopes that Thailand and Cambodia will properly handle the current conflicts through diplomatic means.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7572442856804188712/

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