Thailand and Cambodia are set to meet in Malaysia on Monday for talks to end the ongoing border dispute between the two countries. Anwar Ibrahim, the Malaysian prime minister, has invited Phumtham Wechayachai, the acting prime minister, to discuss peace efforts in the region. The clashes have caused over 150,000 people to be displaced and claimed at least 10 lives in Thailand and 13 in Cambodia.
The UN secretary general has called for the “utmost restraint,” while Malaysia, which chairs the regional bloc that includes both countries, urged both sides to stand down and offered to mediate. China has also expressed concern over the developments. Cambodia’s UN ambassador, Chhea Keo, said on Friday that Cambodia had asked for an “immediate ceasefire – unconditionally” after an emergency meeting held behind closed doors in New York.
Trump has expressed his desire for an immediate ceasefire and peace, but developments on Sunday have cast doubt on his claims of an immediate push for a ceasefire. The Thai army claims that Cambodian soldiers opened fire at temples, checkpoints, and civilian residences, necessitating Thai military retaliation to protect Thai citizens and territory. Cambodia counters that Thailand was the first to attack in the early hours of Sunday morning, stating that Trump’s efforts were “publicly and unequivocally supported” by Cambodia’s prime minister.
Both countries have blamed each other for opening fire first and have accused the other side of violating international norms. In Thailand, 20 people have been killed, including 13 civilians and seven soldiers, while 29 soldiers and 30 civilians were wounded. In Cambodia, officials reported a further 12 deaths, bringing its death toll to 13.
More than 138,000 people have been evacuated from Thailand’s border regions, with families sheltering at temples, schools, and municipality centers. The latest dispute has been exacerbated by a feud between the fathers of the prime ministers of Cambodia and Thailand.
