Thailand-Cambodia Border Talks Set as Fighting Enters Third Week
Thailand and Cambodia agreed Monday to hold defense talks on December 24 as fierce border fighting entered its third week, with at least 80 people killed in the escalating conflict that has tested ASEAN's diplomatic resolve.
The breakthrough came during a special meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers in Kuala Lumpur, where diplomats worked to salvage a ceasefire originally brokered by ASEAN chair Malaysia and U.S. President Donald Trump following deadly clashes in July.
Daily Artillery Exchanges Along 817-Kilometer Border
The two nations have engaged in daily exchanges of rockets and artillery along their 817-kilometer land border since the truce collapsed on December 8. Fighting has erupted at multiple points, stretching from forested regions near Laos to coastal provinces along the Gulf of Thailand.
The 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations urged both countries to exercise maximum restraint while welcoming the planned meeting of the General Border Committee, a long-established bilateral mechanism.
"The ASEAN foreign ministers expressed hope for de-escalation of hostilities as soon as possible," said a statement from Malaysia, adding discussions would include ceasefire implementation and verification.
Trump Claims Progress on Regional Conflicts
Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump referred to the Thailand-Cambodia conflict as one of eight wars he had stopped globally. "Thailand is starting to shape up. You know, they started with Cambodia, they started up again. But I think we have that in pretty good shape," Trump told reporters.
The decision represents the most significant diplomatic step since fighting resumed, after previous calls by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Trump failed to bring the countries to negotiations.
Ceasefire Attempts Fall Short
Five days into the renewed conflict, Trump announced both premiers had agreed to "cease all shooting," but clashes continued the following day with Bangkok launching additional air strikes.
China has also pressed both sides for restraint, with special envoy Deng Xijun conducting talks in Bangkok and Phnom Penh recently.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow emphasized his country wanted a "true ceasefire" with detailed implementation plans and firm Cambodian commitment.
"A ceasefire cannot just be declared, it needs a discussion," Sihasak told briefers in Kuala Lumpur. "The Cambodians want a ceasefire, let's have a discussion on a ceasefire."
Landmine Disputes Fuel Tensions
Both nations accuse each other of violating an enhanced October ceasefire reached in Malaysia under Trump's presence, which committed them to demining and withdrawing troops from contested sovereignty areas.
Thailand has expressed fury over what it claims are newly laid Cambodian landmines. Cambodia, among the world's most landmine-affected countries, rejects these accusations.
Cambodia's defense ministry accused Thailand of Monday "armed aggression" violations and vowed to defend territory "at any cost." Thailand's army reported intermittent Cambodian artillery attacks and drone bombings, responding with air strikes on military positions.
Monday's ASEAN gathering marked the first face-to-face meeting between the governments since December 8, representing rare conflict between member states that has challenged the bloc's unity.
Malaysia's foreign minister urged stronger ASEAN involvement: "Our goal goes beyond de-escalating the tension. We must intensify trust-building among the conflicting parties and provide horizons for dialogue despite prevailing differences."