Thai and Cambodian leaders to meet in Malaysia for talks to end deadly border conflic

 BANGKOK, July 27

Leaders of Thailand and Cambodia are set to meet in Malaysia to try to end a deadly border conflict that has left at least 34 people dead and forced over 168,000 to flee their homes. The announcement came Sunday from a spokesperson for Thailand's prime minister’s office.

Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will attend the talks on Monday following an invitation from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is currently serving as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet is also expected to attend, though Cambodian officials have not officially confirmed his participation yet.

The meeting comes after U.S. President Donald Trump pressured both nations to halt the violence. Trump posted on social media that he had spoken with both leaders and warned that the U.S. would reconsider trade deals if the conflict continued. Following his intervention, both sides reportedly agreed to begin talks on a ceasefire.

Moves Toward Ceasefire

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet announced on Sunday that his country had agreed to an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire.” He said Trump had informed him that Thailand had also agreed to stop attacks after a conversation with PM Phumtham.

Hun Manet instructed his deputy, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, to coordinate next steps with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and to engage directly with Thailand to implement the ceasefire.

Thailand expressed cautious support, saying it agreed “in principle” but stressed that Cambodia must show a “sincere commitment.” The Thai foreign ministry called for swift bilateral talks to lay out concrete steps for peace.

Clashes and Blame Continue

Despite diplomatic progress, fighting continued on Sunday in contested border areas. Both sides blamed each other for renewed shelling and troop movements.

Thai military spokesperson Col. Richa Suksowanont accused Cambodian forces of launching heavy artillery and rocket attacks in Surin Province, including civilian areas and the disputed Ta Muen Thom temple. He said Thailand responded with long-range artillery to target Cambodian weapons.

Richa also stated that U.S.-led mediation was “separate” from battlefield decisions and that Thailand would only agree to a ceasefire once Cambodia formally began negotiations.

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry accused Cambodia of lacking good faith and violating human rights, while Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata blamed Thailand for escalating the situation with tank and ground troop incursions.

Rising Casualties and Displacement

Thailand reported another soldier killed on Sunday, raising its death toll to 21, mostly civilians. Cambodia said 13 people have died on its side. Over 131,000 Thais and 37,000 Cambodians have been displaced, with border villages emptied and schools and hospitals shut down.

At shelters in Surin Province, evacuees like Pichayut Surasit, who rushed home from Bangkok to protect his family, are hoping for a quick resolution. "I just want to go home safely with my wife and daughters," he said.

Bualee Chanduang, a vendor who fled with her family and pet rabbit, said, “I pray both sides will agree to talk and stop the war.”

International Reactions and Background

Pope Leo XIV, speaking from the Vatican, said he was praying for those affected, especially children and displaced families.

The UN Security Council urged ASEAN to step in as mediator, while Human Rights Watch condemned reports of banned cluster munitions being used in civilian areas and urged both countries to protect non-combatants.

Tensions along the 800-kilometer Thai-Cambodian border have simmered for decades but have usually remained brief. The latest flare-up began in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed, sparking diplomatic tensions and political fallout in Thailand.

The upcoming talks in Malaysia may offer the best chance yet for de-escalation in what has quickly become one of the region’s most serious military stand-offs in years.

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