Southeast Asia Diplomats to Meet in Kuala Lumpur Seeking End to Thailand–Cambodia Border Clashes
Southeast Asia's top diplomats are scheduled to meet on Monday in Kuala Lumpur with the aim of ending the ongoing border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia. The conflict, which has resulted in at least 41 deaths and displaced around 900,000 people, reignited fighting on 8 December after a period of relative calm.
The meeting seeks to revive a ceasefire that was initially brokered in July by Malaysia, the ASEAN chair, alongside US President Donald Trump. This will be the first Thai-Cambodian dialogue since the hostilities resumed, with both sides blaming each other for the renewed violence.
The conflict originates from a long-standing border dispute dating back to the colonial era. It involves artillery exchanges along approximately 800 kilometers of the border and includes Thai air strikes on Cambodian positions.
Cambodia has stated that the talks aim to restore peace, stability, and good neighbourly relations, advocating for a resolution through peaceful means. Conversely, Thailand insists that Cambodia must first declare a ceasefire and maintain a genuine, sustained ceasefire before formal negotiations can proceed.
The United States and China are actively mediating the talks. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope for the establishment of a new ceasefire by Monday or Tuesday. Chinese representative Deng Xijun affirmed that Beijing will continue to facilitate dialogue between the parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who presided over the July ceasefire signing with President Trump, conveyed cautious optimism regarding the Kuala Lumpur meeting. He emphasized the responsibility to present facts accurately and to press strongly for peace.
