Thailand, Cambodia Set Defense Talks to Resume Truce After Deadly Border Clashes
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to hold urgent defense talks on December 24 to restore a fragile ceasefire, as border fighting enters its third week with at least 80 people killed in the escalating conflict.
The breakthrough came during a special meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, where diplomats worked to salvage a truce originally brokered by ASEAN chair Malaysia and U.S. President Donald Trump following deadly clashes in July.
Daily Artillery Exchanges Rock 817-Kilometer Border
The two neighbors have engaged in daily exchanges of rockets and artillery along their 817-kilometer land border since the ceasefire collapsed. Fighting has erupted at multiple points, stretching from forested regions near Laos to coastal provinces along the Gulf of Thailand.
For the Philippines, which has faced its own territorial disputes in the South China Sea, the Thailand-Cambodia conflict highlights the critical importance of ASEAN unity in managing regional tensions. The 11-member association has urged both countries to exercise maximum restraint and immediately halt hostilities.
"The ASEAN foreign ministers expressed hope for de-escalation of hostilities as soon as possible," stated Malaysia, the current ASEAN chair, adding that discussions would include ceasefire implementation and verification mechanisms.
Trump Claims Progress on Global Conflicts
Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, President Trump referenced the Thailand-Cambodia conflict as one of eight wars he claims to have stopped worldwide. "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.
However, previous attempts by both Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Trump to bring the countries to negotiations have failed. Five days into the current conflict, Trump announced that both premiers had agreed to "cease all shooting," but clashes resumed the following day with Bangkok launching fresh air strikes.
Landmine Accusations Fuel Regional Tensions
Bangkok has expressed particular outrage over alleged new landmine deployments by Cambodia, one of the world's most landmine-affected countries. Phnom Penh categorically rejects these accusations.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow emphasized his country's desire for a "true ceasefire" with detailed implementation plans and firm commitments from Cambodia. "A ceasefire cannot just be declared, it needs a discussion," Sihasak explained during a Kuala Lumpur briefing.
Cambodia's defense ministry accused Thailand of violating its sovereignty with continued "armed aggression" and vowed to defend its territory "at any cost." Thai forces report intermittent artillery attacks and drone bombings from Cambodian positions.
Regional Implications for ASEAN Unity
The conflict represents rare warfare between ASEAN member states, testing the bloc's diplomatic resolve. Monday's gathering marked the first face-to-face meeting between the two governments since fighting resumed on December 8.
Malaysia's Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan called for stronger ASEAN intervention: "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."
China has also pressed both sides to step back, with special envoy Deng Xijun conducting talks in Bangkok and Phnom Penh. However, Thai officials emphasized that the decision for bilateral talks came independently, without U.S. or Chinese involvement.
The planned meeting location remains unclear, though Thailand has proposed the borderline in Chanthaburi province. Both militaries are expected to discuss ceasefire mechanisms and territorial sovereignty issues that have sparked decades of bitter disputes.