Thailand-Cambodia Border Talks Begin Amid Deadly Clashes And Global Pressure

Thailand-Cambodia Border conflict

Thailand and Cambodia have opened high-stakes peace talks aimed at ending their most violent border conflict in over a decade, as international pressure mounts for an immediate ceasefire.

Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet met Monday in Putrajaya, Malaysia’s administrative capital, for the first formal discussions since hostilities reignited on July 24. The dialogue is being facilitated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in his role as ASEAN chair, with envoys from both the United States and China in attendance.

At least 35 people have been killed in the renewed clashes, which have displaced more than 150,000 civilians across both nations. Artillery fire and airstrikes were reported over the weekend, with each side blaming the other for attacks on civilian areas along their 800-kilometer shared border.

U.S. and China Push for Ceasefire

U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking ahead of the talks, confirmed that both leaders had agreed to “quickly work out a ceasefire.” He also warned that the U.S. would halt any trade negotiations with Thailand or Cambodia unless fighting ceased. Trump had separate phone calls with both leaders on Saturday.

While Thailand demands a ceasefire that includes troop withdrawals, cessation of lethal force, and a commitment to bilateral resolutions, Cambodia supports an immediate and unconditional end to the violence.

Rising Civilian Toll

Tensions flared after a Thai soldier was severely injured in a landmine explosion. Thailand responded by closing several border crossings, expelling the Cambodian ambassador, and recalling its own.

Skirmishes intensified last Thursday, with both militaries exchanging fire and accusing each other of initiating the attacks. Thai authorities report civilian casualties from rocket strikes in border villages, while Cambodia confirms 13 deaths on its side, including eight civilians.

More than 140,000 Thai civilians have been evacuated to shelters across seven provinces, according to the Thai military. In Cambodia, state media report about 135,000 people displaced from border regions.

A 75-year-old Cambodian evacuee told the BBC she continues to feel unsafe due to Thai drone activity overhead: “Even in the shelter, we hear the buzzing of drones every night.”

With memories of the Cambodian Civil War still vivid among older evacuees, many say this is the worst conflict they have experienced in decades.