Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to hold bilateral border talks later this week, following a regional meeting in Malaysia aimed at halting renewed clashes between the neighboring Southeast Asian countries. The announcement comes after violent confrontations earlier this month left at least 23 people dead in Thailand and 20 in Cambodia, while displacing over 900,000 residents on both sides of the border.

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Scheduled Border Talks

Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow confirmed that the talks are scheduled for Wednesday in Chanthaburi, southern Thailand, under the framework of an existing bilateral border committee. The committee is tasked with allowing military representatives from both nations to “discuss implementation, related steps, and verification of the ceasefire in detail,” according to a statement from the Thai foreign ministry.

Cambodia’s Interior Ministry welcomed the regional efforts, stating that it hopes Thailand will demonstrate sincerity in fully implementing the ceasefire, in line with ASEAN’s peace objectives.

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Context of the Conflict

The border clashes stem from a longstanding territorial dispute over the colonial-era demarcation along the 800-kilometre (500-mile) frontier between Thailand and Cambodia. The dispute includes a number of ancient temple ruins and strategically significant lands.

Each side has blamed the other for instigating the renewed violence, claiming self-defense and accusing the other of attacks on civilians. On Monday, Phnom Penh’s Defence Ministry accused Thailand of firing artillery shells into Cambodian territory. One civilian, a worker at a Chinese mining company, was reportedly injured during the fighting.

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ASEAN’s Role and International Mediation

Monday’s meeting in Kuala Lumpur was convened by Malaysia, which currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Malaysia’s Foreign Minister, Mohamad Hasan, emphasized the need for urgent attention to the conflict, highlighting its humanitarian and political ramifications.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim added that ASEAN’s role is not only to present facts but also to press both countries to secure peace.

The October 2025 joint truce declaration, overseen by US President Donald Trump, was criticized as being rushed. Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak noted that the declaration was finalized quickly to coincide with Trump’s visit, and warned that a ceasefire must be demonstrated through actions rather than announcements.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also urged both sides to implement a new ceasefire promptly, reflecting Washington’s continued engagement in the conflict resolution process.

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Challenges and Preconditions for Peace

Ahead of the upcoming talks, Thailand reiterated its conditions for negotiations, including demands that Cambodia formally announce a truce and cooperate on de-mining operations along the border. Cambodia has stated it intends to resolve disputes through peaceful means, dialogue, and diplomacy, emphasizing the need for a lasting solution to prevent further civilian casualties and displacement.

Despite international mediation, clashes have persisted, spreading to nearly all border provinces. The fragile nature of the truce underscores the challenges of resolving disputes rooted in historical territorial claims and national security concerns.

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Humanitarian Impact

The renewed fighting has severely affected civilians on both sides, with tens of thousands displaced and communities disrupted. The situation highlights the broader humanitarian consequences of unresolved border conflicts and the urgent need for effective ceasefire enforcement.

Beijing expressed hope that both countries will “come to a ceasefire as soon as possible,” reflecting growing international concern over the escalation of violence.

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Looking Ahead

The upcoming bilateral talks in Chanthaburi will be a critical step toward stabilizing the Thailand-Cambodia border and preventing further loss of life. Observers expect discussions to focus on ceasefire verification, military cooperation, and long-term dispute resolution mechanisms, while the international community continues to monitor progress closely.