Cambodia, Thailand kick off high-level talks in Malaysia to ease border tensions

Senior security officials from Cambodia and Thailand have convened in Kuala Lumpur on August 4 to address escalating border tensions following the deadliest clashes between the two Southeast Asian neighbours in decades.

The talks, part of the General Border Committee, a bilateral mechanism to manage border issues, were moved to Malaysia at Thailand’s request, citing the need for a neutral venue amid the sensitive situation, Caliber.Az reports via Bloomberg. 

The clashes, which lasted five days and resulted in over 40 deaths, were halted by a ceasefire agreement on July 29. However, hundreds of thousands of people on both sides remain displaced in evacuation camps, fearful of renewed violence. Cambodia’s defence ministry accused Thailand on August 3 of planning new attacks by ordering evacuations near the border, a claim rejected by Bangkok as an attempt to discredit the country.

Both nations described the border situation as calm on August 4 and reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire. The truce was brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in his role as ASEAN chair, with additional pressure from US President Donald Trump, who leveraged trade tariffs to encourage a peaceful resolution.

A spokesperson from Malaysia’s defence ministry confirmed the talks had commenced on August 4. Thailand’s acting leader Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet agreed to extend the meeting from one day to four, with defence ministers from both countries set to attend the concluding session on August 7. Observers from Malaysia, the US, and China will also be present, according to a statement from the Thai government.

“This upcoming session is of an extraordinary nature as it will provide the two sides an opportunity to jointly explore a way forward in de-escalating tensions and resolving the border security issues,” said Thailand’s Acting Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit.

The talks may also consider establishing a broader ASEAN monitoring mechanism for the disputed border region.

The long-running Thai-Cambodia conflict stems from colonial-era border delineations, which have caused repeated disputes. Although relations remained relatively stable since a deadly clash in 2011, tensions recently erupted into fierce fighting last month, reigniting concerns over regional stability.

By Sabina Mammadli