News|Border DisputesThailand and Cambodia agree to meet amid renewed cross-border fightingPlanned talks come as Southeast Asian leaders urge both countries to show ‘maximum restraint’ and return to dialogue.
Thailand and Cambodia have scheduled a meeting of defense officials later this week to address the ongoing violence along their shared border. This decision follows a special session of Southeast Asian foreign ministers in Kuala Lumpur, aimed at…
Thailand and Cambodia have scheduled a meeting of defense officials later this week to address the ongoing violence along their shared border. This decision follows a special session of Southeast Asian foreign ministers in Kuala Lumpur, aimed at maintaining a ceasefire.
Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow announced that the discussions will take place on Wednesday in Chanthaburi, Thailand. These talks will occur under the framework of an established bilateral border committee.
The ceasefire was initially brokered by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States in July after cross-border hostilities commenced. However, tensions have escalated, with reports of military engagements from both sides.
Following recent regional crisis discussions, Cambodia’s Ministry of Defence reported that the Thai military conducted airstrikes in Siem Reap and Preah Vihear provinces. In response, Thailand's military claimed that Cambodia had launched rockets into Thai territory, prompting airstrikes on Cambodian military targets.
Thailand and Cambodia have scheduled a meeting of defense officials later this week to address the ongoing violence along their shared border.
The conflict has resulted in consistent exchanges of artillery and rocket fire along the 817 km (508-mile) border, affecting areas from forested regions near Laos to coastal provinces by the Gulf of Thailand.
Despite ongoing hostilities, Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior remains hopeful for a ceasefire, urging Thailand to demonstrate sincerity. Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak emphasized that a ceasefire requires actionable steps rather than formal announcements. The militaries of both nations are expected to discuss the detailed implementation and verification of the ceasefire.
ASEAN has called for maximum restraint from both countries and urged immediate cessation of hostilities. The organization emphasized the need to restore mutual trust and ensure the safety and dignity of civilians in affected border areas.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
