Bangkok: Thailand and Cambodia clashed for a fourth consecutive day on Sunday, even as both nations expressed readiness to discuss a ceasefire following late-night intervention by US President Donald Trump. Leaders from both countries are set to meet in Malaysia to negotiate an end to hostilities, according to a spokesperson from the Thai Prime Minister's office.
According to France24.com, acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will participate in the talks on Monday, responding to an invitation from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim aimed at discussing peace efforts in the region. However, fresh artillery exchanges were reported on Sunday morning near two ancient temples that have long been points of contention along the border between northern Cambodia and northeast Thailand, areas that have borne the brunt of the fighting.
Cambodian defense ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata stated that Thai forces initiated attacks near the temples at 4:50 am. AFP journalists reported that the sound of artillery fire was palpable in the Cambodian town of Samraong, located approximately 20 kilometers from the frontline. Meanwhile, Thai Army Deputy Spokesman Ritcha Suksuwanon claimed that Cambodian forces began firing artillery at 4:00 am as both sides vied for control over strategic positions.
On Sunday, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed his country's agreement with the proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the two armed forces. He mentioned that Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn would coordinate with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to facilitate discussions with Thailand, while cautioning Bangkok against reneging on any agreement.
Following President Trump's call, Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that he had agreed in principle to pursue a ceasefire and initiate talks promptly. Despite both countries expressing a desire for dialogue to resolve the crisis, neither has yet demonstrated willingness to relent, with each side continuing to blame the other for derailing peace efforts.
The Thai foreign ministry accused Cambodian forces of shelling civilian homes in Surin province, asserting that a cessation of hostilities cannot occur while Cambodia allegedly lacks good faith and repeatedly violates human rights and humanitarian law. In response, Cambodian defense ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata issued a statement denying that Cambodia fired first and accused Thailand of deliberate aggression.
The ongoing conflict, which erupted this week, has seen jets, tanks, and ground troops engaged in combat in the rural border region characterized by a ridge of hills and surrounded by jungle and agricultural lands. Thailand reports the deaths of seven soldiers and 13 civilians, while Cambodia confirms eight civilian and five military fatalities. The fighting has resulted in the evacuation of over 138,000 people from Thailand's border regions and displaced 80,000 in Cambodia.
An urgent United Nations Security Council meeting on Friday in New York saw Cambodia's UN Ambassador Chhea Keo calling for an immediate ceasefire and peaceful resolution. UN chief Antonio Guterres urged both nations on Saturday to agree to a ceasefire and hold talks to find a lasting solution. Accusations have also flown, with Cambodia alleging that Thai forces used cluster munitions and Thailand accusing Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure, including hospitals. This escalation marks a significant intensification in the ongoing border dispute over the shared 800-kilometer boundary, with several contested kilometers.