Bangkok: Thailand and Cambodia clashed for a fourth consecutive day on Sunday, despite both nations expressing willingness to discuss a ceasefire following a late-night intervention by US President Donald Trump. Leaders from both countries are set to meet in Malaysia to negotiate an end to the hostilities, according to a spokesperson from the Thai Prime Minister’s office on Sunday.
According to France24.com, acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will participate in the talks on Monday at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, aiming to facilitate peace efforts in the region. However, fresh artillery exchanges erupted on Sunday morning near two long-contested ancient temples, intensifying the conflict in the frontier region between northern Cambodia and northeast Thailand.
Cambodian defense ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata reported that Thai forces commenced attacks around the temples at 4:50 am. Meanwhile, the persistent artillery fire was felt in the Cambodian town of Samraong, located approximately 20 kilometers from the frontline, as per reports from AFP journalists. On the other hand, Thai Army Deputy Spokesman Ritcha Suksuwanon indicated that Cambodian forces initiated the artillery fire around 4:00 am as both sides vied for strategic positions.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced on Sunday that his country agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire proposal between the two armed forces. He also mentioned that Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn would engage with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to coordinate efforts with Thailand but cautioned against any breach of agreement by Bangkok. Following President Trump’s call, Thailand’s acting Prime Minister expressed his willingness to enter a ceasefire and initiate talks promptly.
Despite mutual expressions of intent to resolve the crisis, both sides have yet to make concessions, continuing to blame each other for impeding peace efforts. The Thai foreign ministry accused Cambodian forces of targeting civilian homes in Surin province, asserting that a cessation of hostilities is unfeasible while Cambodia allegedly violates basic human rights and humanitarian law. Conversely, Cambodian defense ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata denied initiating the aggression, accusing Thailand of calculated acts of hostility.
The escalating conflict, which involves jets, tanks, and ground troops, arises from a longstanding border dispute characterized by a ridge of hills flanked by dense jungle and agricultural lands. Thailand has reported the deaths of seven soldiers and 13 civilians, while Cambodia confirmed eight civilian and five military casualties. The violence has led to the displacement of over 138,000 people from Thailand’s border areas and 80,000 from their homes in Cambodia.
Following an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting on Friday in New York, Cambodia’s UN Ambassador Chhea Keo called for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both nations on Saturday to agree to an immediate ceasefire and hold discussions for a lasting solution. Amid the ongoing blame game, Cambodia accused Thai forces of deploying cluster munitions, while Thailand claimed Cambodia targeted civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, marking a significant escalation in the neighbors’ long-standing border dispute.