Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes: Malaysia To Host Peace Talks, Death Toll Reaches 34
Border clashes between the two countries entered their fourth day, leaving at least 34 people dead and displacing over 2,00,000
The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia are set to meet in Malaysia on Monday, as border clashes between the two countries entered their fourth day, leaving at least 34 people dead and displacing over 2,00,000.
Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will attend talks in Kuala Lumpur, mediated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Malaysia currently chairs the ASEAN regional bloc, of which both nations are members.
Anwar confirmed that both sides had requested his help in negotiating a peace deal. 'I'm discussing the parameters, the conditions, but what is important is (an) immediate ceasefire," he told the state-run Bernama news agency on Sunday.
Trump's Intervention Sparks Breakthrough
Meanwhile, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Sunday said that his country had accepted an 'immediate and unconditional ceasefire," adding that Trump had confirmed Thailand's agreement to halt attacks. 'This is positive news for the soldiers and people of both countries," he said.
Hun Manet directed his foreign minister, Prak Sokhonn, to coordinate next steps with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and engage directly with Thailand.
On Saturday, US President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that he had spoken to both leaders and warned that the United States would not proceed with trade talks if the violence continued. He claimed both sides agreed to hold talks following his intervention.
Death Toll Rises
At least 34 people have died since fighting erupted on Thursday near disputed temples along the jungle-clad border. The violence began when a landmine explosion injured five Thai soldiers. Both sides accuse each other of triggering the conflict.
Thailand reports eight soldiers and 13 civilians dead, while Cambodia has confirmed five military and eight civilian deaths. More than 1,38,000 people have been evacuated from Thailand's border areas, and 80,000 displaced in Cambodia.
The clashes, involving jets, tanks and ground troops, have escalated around ancient temple sites long claimed by both nations. Thailand has accused Cambodia of attacking hospitals, while Cambodia says Thai forces used cluster munitions.
Fresh Shelling Near Temples
Despite diplomatic efforts, fresh artillery fire was reported Sunday near two disputed temples in the frontier region. AFP journalists in the Cambodian town of Samraong, 20 kilometres from the front line, reported the sound of heavy shelling early in the day.
Thai army deputy spokesman Ritcha Suksuwanon said Cambodian forces began firing at around 4:00 am in a battle over key positions.
Tensions are also rising at home. Thai authorities warned citizens against inciting violence towards Cambodian migrants, urging restraint amid growing nationalist sentiment.
(With inputs from agencies)
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