The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has intensified into its second day with heavy gunfire from both sides. Thailand has declined third-party mediation offers, insisting the crisis must be resolved through bilateral talks only. The clashes, the most severe in a decade, have killed at least 16 people, mostly Thai civilians. Despite international concern and mediation proposals from the US, China, and Malaysia, Thailand maintains that external involvement is unnecessary. Cambodia condemned Thailand’s recent airstrike as reckless aggression.