Thailand and Cambodia Discuss Ceasefire Talks Amid Border Tensions
On December 24, Thailand and Cambodia plan to convene a joint border committee meeting to initiate discussions on a ceasefire in the conflict zone.
This was announced by Thailand's Foreign Minister Phuangketkeow Sihasak, as reported by the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform.
The diplomat noted that on Monday, a special meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at the initiative of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, where the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia was addressed.
The meeting concluded without a ceasefire agreement, but a joint statement was signed, emphasizing the need to halt hostilities. The Cambodian side proposed starting discussions on measures to achieve a ceasefire, including identifying a party responsible for monitoring compliance.
“We welcome the resumption of dialogue regarding a ceasefire. The negotiations will take place within the framework of the existing Joint Border Committee, and this meeting is scheduled, as per the Cambodian side's proposal, for December 24,” Sihasak said.
According to him, the parties also plan to discuss the reduction of weapons in border areas, demining operations, combating border crimes, and online fraud.
Media reports indicate that clashes between the two countries this month resulted in the deaths of 40 individuals, including civilians, and forced over 700,000 people to evacuate.
Cambodia claims that since mid-December, Thai military airstrikes have expanded to areas far from the border. Officials state that the number of evacuated residents in the region has now surpassed half a million.
Meanwhile, Thai military officials assert that they operate in accordance with the law and have never targeted civilian areas. They contend that over 210,000 people have been compelled to leave their homes due to Cambodia's attacks on civilian zones.
As reported by Ukrinform, Thailand's Defense Minister Nattaphon Nakhpanit stated that Thai military forces are achieving success in the border conflict with Cambodia, and that the confrontation at the border will not be prolonged.
