Cambodian and Thai leaders meet in Malaysia to discuss stopping the fighting as border clashes continue into their fifth day.

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 28 — Leaders from Cambodia and Thailand have started talks in Malaysia to try and stop deadly border clashes that have continued for five days despite growing international pressure for peace.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai met on Monday at the official residence of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is hosting the talks as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The conflict began last Thursday after a land mine explosion wounded five Thai soldiers. Both sides blame each other for starting the fighting, which has killed at least 35 people and forced more than 260,000 people from their homes on both sides of the border. In response, both countries recalled their ambassadors, and Thailand closed all border crossings except for migrant workers returning to Cambodia.

Despite the talks, fighting continued Monday, with gunfire heard at dawn in Samrong, Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province. A Cambodian defense spokesperson described the Thai attacks as “ongoing and strong.”

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire, saying, “Although it’s not as bad as many other countries, we have to put a stop to the violence.” He hopes the negotiations will succeed.

The meeting came after pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that the U.S. might reconsider trade deals with both countries if the fighting continues. Representatives from China and the U.S. are also attending the talks as observers.

Thailand’s acting prime minister expressed distrust of Cambodia’s intentions, stating that Cambodia has not stopped its attacks and must prove its sincerity.

This conflict is rare among ASEAN countries, which usually emphasize peaceful dialogue and cooperation. ASEAN foreign ministers expressed concern over the deaths, destruction, and displacement caused by the clashes, urging both nations to resolve the dispute peacefully.

Even Pope Leo XIV spoke out, praying for all affected by wars worldwide, including those caught up in the Thailand-Cambodia border fighting.

Thousands of displaced people in shelters far from the border are hoping for peace. Ron Mao, who fled her home near the fighting, said she wants the war to end so she and her family can return home. Thai evacuees shared similar feelings, with many begging their governments to stop the violence quickly.

The border between Thailand and Cambodia, stretching 800 kilometers (500 miles), has long been disputed. Past conflicts were usually brief, but tensions escalated again in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed, straining diplomatic relations and stirring political unrest in Thailand.

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