Ceasefire Talks Scheduled
Thailand and Cambodia will resume talks later this week to negotiate a more durable ceasefire along their shared border. Thailand’s Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, said progress depends on detailed bilateral negotiations rather than public declarations that internationalize the dispute.
The general border committee involving both nations is set to meet Wednesday, December 24, to work out detailed measures aimed at a lasting ceasefire, Sihasak said.
October Ceasefire Lacked Detail
A previous ceasefire agreement in October was rushed to coincide with a visit from U.S. President Donald Trump. The deal lacked sufficient detail to ensure it would hold, according to Sihasak. The October agreement temporarily ended armed conflict but did not address underlying issues.
While Cambodia publicly stated it was ready for an unconditional ceasefire, Thailand never received a formal proposal. “Thailand believed such statements were aimed at increasing international pressure rather than resolving the issue,” Sihasak said after a meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Focus on Detailed Negotiations
“This time, let’s thrash out the details and make sure the ceasefire reflects the situation on the ground,” Sihasak said. “Both sides must fully respect the ceasefire.”
The Foreign Minister emphasized that careful negotiation is essential to prevent a repeat of the recent flare-ups and ensure the peace agreement is sustainable.
Deadly Escalation
The border conflict escalated into deadly fighting two weeks ago, undermining the ceasefire promoted by Trump, which ended five days of fighting in July. The previous agreement was brokered by Malaysia under pressure from Trump, who threatened to withhold trade privileges unless both nations agreed.
The latest clashes began on December 8, a day after a border skirmish wounded two Thai soldiers. Since then, combat has occurred on multiple fronts. Thailand has carried out airstrikes in Cambodia using F-16 fighter jets, while Cambodia fired thousands of medium-range BM-21 rockets from truck-mounted launchers capable of firing up to 40 rockets at once.
Humanitarian Impact
More than three dozen people on both sides have officially been reported killed during the past week of fighting. Officials say over half a million people have been displaced due to the conflict.
The U.S. Department of State released a statement on Sunday, calling on Thailand and Cambodia to “end hostilities, withdraw heavy weapons, cease emplacement of landmines, and fully implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords.” The accords include mechanisms to accelerate humanitarian demining and address ongoing border issues.
International Concern
The fighting has drawn attention worldwide. The dispute centers on patches of territory claimed by both nations along their shared border. Observers say the region remains volatile, and the success of the upcoming talks will be crucial to prevent further escalation.
