Kuala Lumpur: Thailand and Cambodia have engaged in ongoing hostilities for a fourth consecutive day, despite both nations expressing a willingness to negotiate a ceasefire following diplomatic efforts by US President Donald Trump. Leaders from both countries are scheduled to meet in Malaysia to discuss the cessation of hostilities, according to a spokesperson from the Thai prime minister’s office.
According to France24.com, acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will participate in Monday’s discussions following an invitation from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, aimed at fostering peace efforts in the region. However, even as preparations for the talks were underway, new artillery clashes erupted on Sunday morning near two ancient temples located in a contested frontier region between northern Cambodia and northeast Thailand, a hotspot for recent fighting.
Reports from Cambodian defense ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata indicated that Thai forces commenced attacks around the temples early Sunday morning. The artillery exchanges were intense enough to rattle windows in the Cambodian town of Samraong, approximately 20 kilometers from the battleground, according to AFP journalists on the scene.
Thai Army Deputy Spokesman Ritcha Suksuwanon reported that Cambodian forces initiated artillery fire as both sides vied for control over strategic positions. In response to the continued violence, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed his country’s agreement to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and mentioned planned talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to coordinate with Thai authorities.
Despite both nations expressing a desire for dialogue, neither has shown signs of backing down, as evidenced by mutual accusations of undermining peace efforts. The Thai foreign ministry accused Cambodian forces of targeting civilian areas in Surin province, while Cambodian officials denied these allegations, accusing Thailand of acts of aggression.
The conflict, which has escalated into a full-scale military confrontation involving jets, tanks, and ground troops, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Thailand has reported the deaths of seven soldiers and 13 civilians, while Cambodia has confirmed eight civilian and five military fatalities. The violence has displaced more than 138,000 people from Thailand’s border regions and 80,000 from their homes in Cambodia.
Following an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting, Cambodian UN Ambassador Chhea Keo called for an immediate ceasefire and peaceful resolution. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also urged both sides to agree to a ceasefire and pursue lasting peace talks. Amidst the accusations, Cambodia claims that Thailand has used cluster munitions, while Thailand alleges Cambodian forces targeted civilian infrastructure.
This conflict represents a significant escalation in a long-standing border dispute over the shared 800-kilometer border, with several kilometers remaining contested.