Kuala Lumpur: The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia are scheduled to convene in Malaysia on Monday for peace talks aimed at resolving four days of intense border clashes, as confirmed by officials on Sunday. The discussions between acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will take place in Kuala Lumpur, with Malaysian Premier Anwar Ibrahim serving as the mediator in his capacity as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
According to Deutsche Welle, Anwar Ibrahim expressed the urgency of achieving an immediate ceasefire, stating, "They have asked me to try and negotiate a peace settlement. I'm discussing the parameters, the conditions, but what is important is [an] immediate ceasefire." The intervention by the Malaysian premier underscores the regional concern over the escalating conflict and the necessity for diplomatic resolution.
US President Donald Trump also commented on the situation, claiming credit for facilitating the planned peace talks. Trump mentioned that after speaking with both Thai and Cambodian leaders, there seemed to be a willingness to settle the dispute. He had previously threatened to impose tariffs on both nations if they failed to cease hostilities and agree to trade deals. Trump emphasized the importance of peace, stating on social media, "After speaking to both Parties, Ceasefire, Peace, and Prosperity seems to be a natural."
Despite these efforts, the border clashes persisted on Sunday. A Cambodian Defense Ministry spokeswoman accused Thai forces of initiating attacks around the village of Samraong, which included a "large-scale incursion" with tanks and ground troops. Conversely, a Thai army spokesman claimed that Cambodian forces began firing artillery earlier and accused them of targeting civilian homes in Thailand's eastern Surin province.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in casualties, with Thailand's Foreign Ministry confirming the death of a Thai soldier. The situation has also prompted evacuations, as highlighted by a Thai border resident who shared her experience with the AFP news agency, stating, "We rushed to leave the house this morning. All of my neighbors have already left and we didn't feel safe to stay any longer."
As nationalist sentiments rise, the Thai government has urged its citizens to avoid any form of violence against Cambodians residing in Thailand. The peace talks in Kuala Lumpur represent a critical step toward de-escalating the conflict and fostering a peaceful resolution between the two nations.