January 22, 2026
World
World
TOKYO, Jan 22 — Japan has halted the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant just hours after it began, though the reactor remains “stable,” the operator said.
SAMRAONG (Cambodia), July 28 — Leaders from Thailand and Cambodia are set to hold peace talks on Monday, as their ongoing border conflict—centered on disputed ancient temples—enters its fifth consecutive day of fighting.
Since Thursday, at least 35 people have died and more than 200,000 have been displaced as hostilities escalate along the frontier.
Prompted by US President Donald Trump, Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet are expected to meet at 3pm (0700 GMT) in Kuala Lumpur. China is also sending a delegation to the summit.
Ahead of the talks, both nations exchanged renewed accusations and gunfire.
“We don’t believe Cambodia is engaging in this process in good faith, judging by their actions,” Phumtham told reporters at Bangkok airport. “They must show real commitment—we’ll evaluate that during the meeting.”
Cambodia’s defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata accused Thailand of launching its fifth consecutive day of attacks, using heavy artillery and deploying additional troops into Cambodian territory.
Meanwhile, Thailand's military claimed Cambodian snipers had occupied one of the contested temple sites and accused Phnom Penh of amassing forces along the border while launching rocket attacks into Thai territory.
Clashes were reported across seven locations in the rugged, jungle-covered border zone, a region dotted with rice fields and rubber plantations.
“The situation remains extremely volatile,” said the Thai military, adding that Cambodia may be preparing a significant military offensive before the negotiations begin.
On Saturday, President Trump said he had personally called both leaders and secured an agreement to move swiftly toward a ceasefire.
Prime Minister Hun Manet confirmed the meeting would be facilitated by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with participation from China, a major economic and political ally of Cambodia.
“This summit aims for an immediate ceasefire, an initiative proposed by President Trump and accepted by both sides,” Hun Manet said.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed American officials were on-site in Malaysia to support the peace initiative. Anwar, meanwhile, told local media that his priority was brokering an immediate end to the fighting.
Mutual Blame, Mounting Costs
While both nations publicly endorse a truce, each continues to accuse the other of violating ceasefire terms and initiating hostilities.
Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn turned 73 on Monday, but planned celebrations at the Grand Palace were cancelled due to the ongoing conflict.
President Trump, continuing his economic pressure strategy, warned that trade negotiations with both countries would be delayed unless peace is secured.
“When peace is achieved, I look forward to finalizing trade deals with both!” he posted on social media.
Thailand reports 22 deaths—eight soldiers and 14 civilians—while Cambodia has confirmed 13 fatalities, including eight civilians and five military personnel.
The Thai army said it has returned the remains of 12 Cambodian soldiers killed in battle.
More than 138,000 people have been evacuated from Thailand’s border areas, with an additional 80,000 displaced in Cambodia.
Cambodia has accused Thai forces of deploying cluster munitions, while Bangkok has alleged Cambodian strikes targeted hospitals.
As tensions fuel nationalist fervor, Thai authorities have urged citizens to avoid hostile behavior or speech toward Cambodian migrant communities living in Thailand. — AFP
