China and the United States have made near-simultaneous diplomatic moves to help ease tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, as clashes continue along the border and Thai military operations extend beyond the immediate frontier.
Both countries appear keen to position themselves as mediators in efforts to restore regional stability.
Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has dismissed suggestions that Washington pressured Bangkok to agree to a ceasefire, stressing that any cessation of hostilities must be initiated by Cambodia.
He also said Thailand had never promised China it would halt military operations, maintaining its longstanding position on the conditions required for a ceasefire.
Speaking about a recent telephone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Mr Sihasak said the discussion was driven by international concern that fighting along the Thai–Cambodian border could escalate further, given the protracted nature of the conflict.
The United States, he said, sought to better understand the situation on the ground, explore prospects for de-escalation and express its readiness to assist.
Thailand has made clear that it is prepared to reduce tensions, he said, but a ceasefire cannot be implemented unilaterally. Cambodia would first need to demonstrate genuine intent by halting fire in practice before talks could proceed.
Clear mechanisms would also be required, including agreed measures on how any ceasefire would be implemented and verified. Such technical details, he said, would need to be discussed directly by the military authorities of both sides.
"A ceasefire cannot rely on intent or announcements," Mr Sihasak said. "It requires detailed discussions on implementation, format and supervision to ensure compliance."
He reiterated that Mr Rubio did not exert pressure on Thailand during the call, but merely conveyed concern. In fact, he said, the US side spoke very little and largely listened to Thailand's explanation.
Thailand made clear that while it seeks to reduce violence, it cannot do so alone, he said, adding that any ceasefire proposal must come directly from Cambodia, not via a third country.
According to Mr Sihasak, Mr Rubio welcomed Thailand's position. He added that the Thai–Cambodian border issue could be discussed further during a special Asean foreign ministers' meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.
Responding to remarks by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who said he had discussed the issue with Thailand and that both sides were willing to ease tensions and enforce a ceasefire, Mr Sihasak clarified that Thailand had made no such commitment.
Thailand, he said, had only expressed its readiness to reduce tensions and its desire to avoid a prolonged conflict. Any ceasefire must be proposed by Cambodia and accompanied by concrete actions demonstrating genuine intent.
Assoc Prof Somjai Phagaphasvivat, a political economist, said both China and the United States were seeking to position themselves as mediators in easing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.
In the case of the United States, he said, this approach has been explicitly articulated as part of its broader policy, with Washington declaring its intention to shape global outcomes, particularly on peace and security issues.
China, meanwhile, already enjoys certain advantages, having expanded its influence in recent years through trade and cultivated strong relationships with countries in the region, he said.
