Southeast Asian foreign ministers convened Monday in Kuala Lumpur for a special meeting aimed at resolving the ongoing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, which escalated into deadly clashes two weeks ago.
The session marked the second time this year that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has provided a platform to promote de-escalation between the two member states. The recent fighting disrupted a ceasefire brokered in July under U.S. pressure, with Malaysia mediating and President Donald Trump threatening to withhold trade benefits if both sides did not agree. The truce was further detailed at an October regional summit in Malaysia attended by Trump.
The conflict has drawn international concern. On Sunday, the U.S. Department of State called on Thailand and Cambodia to “end hostilities, withdraw heavy weapons, cease emplacement of landmines, and fully implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords,” including steps for humanitarian demining and border management.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said he discussed the situation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reaffirming Thailand’s commitment to a ceasefire and promising constructive engagement at the Kuala Lumpur meeting. Cambodia’s Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn is also attending, emphasizing resolution “through all peaceful means, dialogue and diplomacy.”
The dispute centers on contested territory along the shared border. The latest fighting began Dec. 8, a day after a skirmish left two Thai soldiers wounded, and has since included Thai F-16 airstrikes and Cambodian BM-21 rocket attacks. Officials report more than two dozen fatalities and over half a million displaced.
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Under the October truce, Thailand was to release 18 Cambodian soldiers and both sides to begin removing heavy weapons and landmines. Despite this, minor cross-border violence and a propaganda war have continued. Landmine incidents remain particularly contentious, with Thailand alleging Cambodia laid new mines while Phnom Penh says they are remnants from its civil war.
The Thai navy reported a marine seriously injured by a landmine and discovered abandoned weapons in a Cambodian stronghold, alleging deliberate use of anti-personnel mines. Thailand plans to send formal protests to Cambodia and Zambia, the current chair of the Ottawa Convention, for further action. Cambodia has not yet responded.
Source: AP