Thailand, Cambodia kick off talks to end deadly border clashes

Cambodian and Thai officials have commenced four days of negotiations at a border checkpoint aimed at ending the deadly clashes between the two countries.

The meeting, held in Thailand’s Chanthaburi province, had been at risk after Cambodia requested a switch to a neutral venue. Nevertheless, the Cambodian government shared a photo of the two defence delegations seated in a modest meeting room, confirming that the talks had begun to “ensure the cessation of hostilities,” restore stability, and “facilitate a swift return to normalcy,” The Guardian reports.

The long-standing border dispute between the neighbors reignited this month, breaking a previous truce, killing more than 40 people, and displacing roughly a million, according to officials.

The discussions are scheduled to continue until December 27. Thai Defence Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri told reporters that Bangkok was “very hopeful that the meeting will have positive outcomes,” while emphasizing that success “depends on the Cambodian side’s sincerity in words and actions.”

Thailand has previously insisted that Cambodia first announce a truce and cooperate in demining efforts along the border. Despite ongoing cross-border fire, Cambodia’s Interior Ministry expressed optimism this week, stating it was “optimistic that the Thai side will demonstrate sincerity” in implementing a ceasefire.

The conflict stems from a territorial dispute over the colonial-era demarcation of the 500-mile (800 km) border and several ancient temple ruins situated along the frontier. Both countries have blamed each other for instigating renewed fighting since 7 December and traded accusations of attacks on civilians, following five days of clashes in July that killed dozens.

A truce brokered by the United States, China, and Malaysia had temporarily ended the previous round of fighting, but the ceasefire proved short-lived.

By Vafa Guliyeva