Malaysia to mediate Thailand-Cambodia border conflict on July 28

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to allow Malaysia to mediate their ongoing border conflict, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan announced on July 27, as both sides accused each other of launching fresh artillery attacks across contested areas.

Speaking to state news agency Bernama, Mohamad said that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai are expected to arrive in Malaysia on the evening of July 28 for talks aimed at de-escalating the crisis, Caliber.Az reports via Reuters. 

"They have full confidence in Malaysia and asked me to be a mediator," Mohamad stated. He added that he had spoken with his Cambodian and Thai counterparts, and "they agreed no other country should be involved in the issue."

The talks come after Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who currently chairs the regional ASEAN forum, proposed a ceasefire on July 25. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said on July 26 that both Southeast Asian leaders had agreed to work towards a ceasefire.

The renewed conflict marks the worst fighting between the neighbouring countries in more than a decade. As of July 27, the death toll had risen above 30, including 13 civilians in Thailand and eight in Cambodia, according to official sources.

Authorities reported that over 200,000 people have been evacuated from border areas in both countries as shelling continued.

By Sabina Mammadli