The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia have arrived in Malaysia for high-stakes Thai-Cambodian peace talks. The goal is to reach a ceasefire following a deadly border conflict that has worsened in recent weeks.
Malaysia is hosting the negotiations as chair of the ASEAN bloc. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is expected to lead the discussions. He proposed the peace talks after fighting escalated along the Thai-Cambodian border last Thursday.
The conflict follows the killing of a Cambodian soldier in late May. Since then, tensions have increased between the two countries. The violence has become the most serious in over ten years. More than 30 people have died, including over 20 civilians. Over 200,000 people have been displaced from areas near the border.
The Thailand and Cambodia conflict has drawn international attention. The United States and China have both offered to help mediate. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that American officials are in Malaysia to assist the peace process. He said, “We want this conflict to end as soon as possible.”
For more on the ongoing conflict and recent developments, read how the Thai-Cambodia shelling persists despite Trump’s ceasefire appeal.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has welcomed international involvement. Meanwhile, Thailand had earlier preferred direct talks with Cambodia. Now, both sides are engaging under the broader ASEAN framework.
Observers say the recent Thai-Cambodia shelling and troop buildups have added urgency to the talks. Prime Minister Anwar emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire and said that both nations had asked him to help find a peaceful solution.
These talks are seen as a critical test for regional diplomacy in Southeast Asia. The outcome may also impact ASEAN’s role in handling regional disputes going forward.
For now, hopes are high that Malaysia’s efforts, with support from the U.S. and China, will bring the violence to an end.
