The ongoing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has reached a critical point, prompting leaders from both nations to convene for mediation talks in Malaysia on Monday. According to a statement from the Thai government, these discussions are set to begin at 3 p.m. local time (0700 GMT) and will be led by acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.
Malaysia, acting as the chair of the ASEAN regional cooperation forum, has confirmed that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will also participate in the mediation efforts. The initiative aims to address the escalating tensions that have resulted in over 30 casualties, including 13 civilians in Thailand and eight in Cambodia, since hostilities resumed last Thursday.
Relations between Thailand and Cambodia have soured significantly since the late May incident that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier during a brief border skirmish. In response, both countries have reinforced their military presence along the 817-km (508-mile) border, leading to a diplomatic crisis that nearly destabilized Thailand's coalition government.
Reports indicate that the latest bout of fighting marks the most intense conflict between the Southeast Asian neighbors in over a decade, with more than 200,000 individuals evacuated from border regions to ensure their safety.
In light of the recent violence, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim proposed a ceasefire last week, a sentiment echoed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that both leaders agreed to pursue a peaceful resolution. However, both parties have accused each other of instigating the recent hostilities, complicating the path to peace.
The Cambodian Defense Ministry has alleged that Thai forces conducted artillery strikes and ground assaults, targeting historic temple complexes along the border. Meanwhile, the Thai military accused Cambodian troops of firing shots into civilian areas, escalating fears of intensified military operations ahead of the negotiations.
Residents in the Thai province of Sisaket have reported continuous shelling, with damage evident in local structures, including a government health clinic that sustained severe damage from artillery fire. Many locals have evacuated, leaving only a few to look after their homes, while others have sought refuge in makeshift bunkers.
Comments from local residents highlight the desire for peace, with Sisaket resident Thavorn Toosawan expressing hope that international pressure for a ceasefire could lead to a more stable situation.
The longstanding disputes between Thailand and Cambodia have often centered around undemarcated territories along their border, particularly concerning the ancient Hindu temples Ta Moan Thom and the 11th-century Preah Vihear. The International Court of Justice awarded ownership of Preah Vihear to Cambodia in 1962, but tensions resurfaced in 2008 when Cambodia sought to list it as a UNESCO World Heritage site, leading to several years of skirmishes resulting in casualties.
In June, Cambodia formally requested the International Court of Justice to mediate the ongoing disputes, while Thailand has maintained that it does not recognize the court's jurisdiction and favors bilateral negotiations.
As the mediation talks approach, the international community watches closely, hopeful that a resolution can be reached to restore peace between these two nations.
