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Ceasefire talks scheduled as border violence persists
Thai and Cambodian officials will convene next week to explore restoring a ceasefire after two weeks of deadly clashes along their shared border, Thailand's foreign minister announced.
Previous truce deemed premature
Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow described the July ceasefire, brokered by then-US President Donald Trump, as "rushed." He stated that the agreement was finalized to align with Trump's visit timeline rather than addressing ground realities.
"We were sometimes in a rush because the US wanted it signed by the visit of President Trump. But sometimes we really just need to sit down, hash things out, and ensure the ceasefire reflects the situation on the ground-and actually holds."
Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Thai Foreign Minister
Military meeting set for December 24
Phuangketkeow confirmed that military representatives from both nations will meet on December 24, a prerequisite for any renewed ceasefire. Cambodia has not yet responded publicly to the proposal.
At least 41 people have died and nearly one million have been displaced since fighting resumed earlier this month. Both countries accuse each other of reigniting hostilities, with exchanges of artillery fire and Thai airstrikes targeting Cambodian positions along the 800-kilometer border.
Asean urges urgent resolution
During a Monday summit in Malaysia, ASEAN members called for immediate action to de-escalate the crisis. Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan emphasized the broader regional impact, stating, "We must consider the wider ramifications of the continued escalation for the people we serve."
The conflict marks the most severe between ASEAN members since the bloc's founding in 1967, undermining its credibility in conflict mediation.
International mediation efforts
The US and China are actively involved in ceasefire negotiations. China's special envoy for Asian affairs, Deng Xijun, visited Phnom Penh last week, reaffirming Beijing's commitment to facilitating dialogue. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian noted that China has been mediating since the latest outbreak of violence and will release further details "in due course."
Historical tensions resurface
The dispute traces back over a century, with sporadic clashes claiming lives on both sides. Tensions escalated in May after a Cambodian soldier was killed, culminating in a July rocket barrage into Thailand followed by retaliatory airstrikes. The five-day battle left dozens dead before a ceasefire was brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Trump, who threatened to halt tariff negotiations until hostilities ceased.
The October agreement, dubbed the "Kuala Lumpur peace accord" by Trump, was referred to by Thailand as a "joint declaration." The truce collapsed in December, with both sides accusing each other of violating its terms.
