Malaysia to host urgent Cambodia-Thailand border talks
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Malaysia will mediate urgent talks between Cambodia and Thailand to resolve escalating border clashes that have caused deaths, injuries, and mass displacement.
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In this picture taken Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018, a general view of Kuala Lumpur city skyline view from the top of The Exchange 106 tower in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (AP)
In a bid to defuse a growing border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, both countries' leaders are set to convene in the Malaysian capital on Monday, according to Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan.
Hun Manet, the Prime Minister of Cambodia, and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will hold discussions in Kuala Lumpur, with Malaysia stepping in as mediator. The talks come in the wake of a sharp escalation in hostilities, which have left at least 30 people dead and over 200,000 civilians displaced across both sides of the border. Artillery shelling, drone incursions, and airstrikes, including Thai F-16 raids, have contributed to the intensifying violence, with civilian areas such as schools and hospitals among the targets.
Mohamad Hasan told Malaysia's national news agency Bernama that he had held conversations with the foreign ministers of both nations. "I had the opportunity to speak with the foreign ministers of both Thailand and Cambodia. They both agreed that no other country should be involved in this issue. They have full confidence in Malaysia and have requested me to act as mediator," he said.
Border Standoff
The clashes began with a fatal military skirmish in a disputed neutral zone on May 28, in which a Cambodian soldier was killed. Tensions escalated significantly on July 24, when landmines injured Thai troops and both militaries exchanged fire.
Thailand subsequently launched "Operation Yuttha Bodin," imposing martial law across eight border districts and shutting key crossings and temples. Cambodia responded by banning Thai products and broadcasting content, escalating the diplomatic standoff further.
Hasan also revealed he was expecting a phone call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a sign of Washington’s increasing engagement. President Donald Trump has reportedly pressured both governments to halt the violence, warning that ongoing conflict would suspend any ongoing tariff and trade negotiations.
Regional Mediation
Malaysia, which currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), views the conflict as a regional matter and opposes external mediation. "This is an internal matter of the 10-nation Southeast Asian bloc," Hasan said, reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to regional conflict resolution.
Thailand's Foreign Ministry confirmed the upcoming meeting, while remaining cautious on specifics. "As it has appeared on the news that there will be a meeting tomorrow, that is all I can confirm, that is true," said ministry spokesman Nikondet Phalangkun in Bangkok.
Asked about Trump’s influence, Phalangkun pointed to economic incentives: "Both countries were eager to resume trade tariff negotiations with Washington, which, as Trump stated, the United States would not conduct with nations engaged in armed conflict."
Read more: Cambodia-Thailand border clashes persist despite ceasefire efforts
The roots of the dispute lie in a 1907 French colonial map delineating the border, which both sides interpret differently. Areas surrounding the Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temples remain flashpoints.
Cambodia advocates for adjudication by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which previously ruled on Preah Vihear in 1962. Thailand, however, rejects ICJ jurisdiction and insists on bilateral negotiations.
