Cambodian and Thai defense officials have launched preliminary talks in Malaysia as a fragile ceasefire between the two Southeast Asian neighbors continues to hold, following deadly border clashes last week.
The discussions, which began Monday, are a lead-up to a high-level ministerial meeting of the General Border Committee scheduled for Thursday. The talks aim to solidify the truce and prevent further conflict after the worst fighting between the two countries in over a decade.
The recent violence, marked by artillery exchanges and air strikes, claimed at least 43 lives and displaced more than 300,000 people along the border. The ceasefire was brokered in Malaysia last Monday, with observers from the United States and China playing a key role in mediating the agreement.
Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high. Cambodia’s defense ministry has accused Thailand of violating the agreement by laying barbed wire and using excavators in a contested area. Thailand has denied any aggressive movements, though its military acknowledged reports of Cambodian troop reinforcements and position modifications.
Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, a Thai military spokesperson, said the situation remains stable but warned of increased Cambodian military activity aimed at replacing troops lost during the clashes.
Adding to the strain, Cambodia has demanded the immediate release of 18 of its soldiers captured during the fighting. Thailand responded that the soldiers are being treated humanely as prisoners of war and will only be released following a full end to hostilities, not just a temporary ceasefire.
Thursday’s ministerial meeting will be attended by defense chiefs from both nations and observed by officials from the U.S., China, and Malaysia.
Written By Rodney Mbua
