Chanthaburi: Thailand and Cambodia are gearing up for decisive talks aimed at achieving a ceasefire this weekend, following a series of renewed clashes that have resulted in the deaths of approximately 100 individuals in recent weeks. The anticipated discussions are slated to take place on Saturday, with Thai Defense Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit and Cambodia's Defense Minister Tea Seiha meeting in Thailand's Chanthaburi province, after both militaries engaged in three days of negotiations.
According to Anadolu Agency, the weekend talks are part of an effort to reach a joint statement under the framework of the Kuala Lumpur agreement. This agreement was initially signed in October in Kuala Lumpur, witnessed by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. However, the agreement faced suspension following an incident where Thai soldiers were severely injured by a landmine explosion in a border province.
Amidst these developments, Cambodia reportedly presented a sixth draft proposal to Thailand during the negotiations, as reported by the Thai News Agency. On Friday, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed that the government had authorized Natthaphon to attend the meeting with the Cambodian representatives. He emphasized the importance of maintaining promises to avoid threats and provocations, thereby reducing security risks for both nations.
Thailand has proposed a 72-hour ceasefire, with Prime Minister Anutin indicating that if Cambodia agrees, Thailand would consider releasing the 18 Cambodian soldiers currently detained as prisoners of war. However, there have been no official reports from Cambodia regarding this matter yet.
In a separate report, the Khmer Times noted that Thailand conducted a bombing operation approximately 100 kilometers into Cambodia's Siem Reap province. The overall death toll rose to 99 on Friday, a consequence of clashes that reignited on December 8, following a border skirmish that left two Thai soldiers wounded.
Thai news outlet Khaosod reported that on Friday, three additional Thai soldiers were killed. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of 26 Thai soldiers and one civilian, with 41 civilians also losing their lives due to the border clashes, according to Thai authorities. Cambodia's Interior Ministry reported that 31 Cambodian civilians have been killed.
The renewed hostilities have displaced nearly one million people on both sides. This escalation is part of a long-standing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, which has intermittently led to violence, including deadly clashes in July that claimed at least 48 lives.