Cambodia and Thailand Hold Talks in Malaysia Amid Fragile Ceasefire

BANGKOK, Aug 4 — Preliminary discussions between Thai and Cambodian defence officials began today in Malaysia, ahead of a key ministerial-level meeting scheduled for Thursday, as a fragile ceasefire continues to hold a week after both nations agreed to halt hostilities.

The ceasefire was brokered last Monday during a meeting in Malaysia, following five days of intense border clashes. The talks were observed by representatives from the United States and China.

The recent conflict marked the most serious fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours in over a decade, involving artillery exchanges and fighter jet deployments. At least 43 people were killed, and over 300,000 displaced on both sides of the border.

According to officials, the defence ministers of both countries will convene for a General Border Committee meeting on Thursday to explore ways to sustain the ceasefire. Representatives from the United States, China, and Malaysia will also observe the discussions.

Despite the diplomatic efforts, tensions remain. Cambodia’s defence ministry has accused Thailand of breaching the ceasefire by deploying excavators and laying barbed wire in a disputed border area.

Thailand, however, stated that both sides are holding their positions with no significant changes, although Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, a Thai military spokesperson, noted that Cambodia appears to have repositioned and reinforced its troops in several key locations.

Cambodia has also demanded the immediate release of 18 soldiers captured by Thailand during the clashes. In response, Thailand said the detainees are being treated as “prisoners of war” and will only be released once there is a complete end to the armed conflict, not merely a temporary ceasefire. — Reuters