Military officials from Thailand and Cambodia have begun talks aimed at resuming a ceasefire following 16 days of intense border clashes. The conflict has left at least 86 people dead and displaced hundreds of thousands.
The discussions come after a special meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers in Kuala Lumpur. The meeting, convened by ASEAN chair Malaysia and US President Donald Trump, aimed to salvage the previous truce agreed in October.
Thailand’s Defence Ministry spokesman, Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, said the three-day meeting of the General Border Committee could pave the way for a renewed ceasefire. “If the secretariat meeting goes smoothly and leads to an agreement, then there will be a meeting between the defense ministers on December 27,” he said.
The talks are being held at a border checkpoint on the southern end of the 817-kilometer frontier between the two nations. Cambodian Defence Ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata confirmed the meeting began at 4:30 pm local time, led by generals from both sides.
This marks the most significant step since the recent fighting re-erupted, following unsuccessful attempts by Malaysia, China, and the United States to bring the two countries to the negotiating table.
Despite the talks, clashes continued along several border points. Cambodia accused Thailand of dropping bombs in Banteay Meanchey province, calling the attacks “brutal” and indiscriminate. Thailand said Cambodian forces fired heavy weapons into civilian areas in Sa Kaeo province, prompting retaliatory strikes.
The ongoing fighting has caused massive civilian suffering. In Cambodia, at least 21 civilians have been killed, and over half a million people displaced. In Thailand, 65 people have died, and more than 150,000 have been evacuated.
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Both sides have accused each other of violating the enhanced ceasefire reached in October, during which they pledged to remove troops and heavy weapons from contested areas. Observers say the outcome of these talks will be crucial to restoring stability along the long-disputed border.
