Cambodia talks ruled out

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday ruled out talks with Cambodia at this time, stressing the military remains in full control of the situation along the border.

- MONGKOL BANGPRAPA

He said Cambodia made no official approach to open dialogue after the border tension escalated recently despite media reports quoting a Cambodian adviser expressing the side's readiness to negotiate.

Any such gesture must come through formal channels, Mr Anutin said, adding such avenues exist but stressing now is not the right time for talks. About 50 Cambodian rockets struck Thai civilian areas bordering the county yesterday, forcing the closure of 190 local health facilities.

The Royal Thai Army said Cambodia used multiple rocket launchers to attack communities and areas close to Phanom Dong Rak Hospital in Surin province. It condemned the attacks as unacceptable given the risk to innocent people.

Mr Anutin was responding to questions about remarks by Suos Yara, a senior adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, who told Reuters that Cambodia was open to bilateral talks to ease tensions but would not initiate the process.