Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to hold negotiations in Malaysia on Monday in an effort to end a deadly four-day conflict along their shared border, which has already claimed more than 30 lives and displaced thousands.
The Thai government confirmed on Sunday that a delegation led by acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai would attend the meeting. Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet is also expected to join the talks, according to Malaysian officials.
The breakthrough comes following a phone call from US President Donald Trump to both leaders on Saturday, during which he urged an immediate ceasefire. Posting on Truth Social from his Scottish golf resort, Trump said the two nations had agreed to “immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE!”
While both sides expressed gratitude for Trump’s intervention, fighting continued overnight into Sunday, particularly around contested areas near ancient temple sites along the frontier. The conflict, which began on 24 July, has killed at least 33 people, including civilians, and forced the evacuation of thousands from border villages on both sides.
Cambodia, which has reportedly sustained heavier losses, reiterated its willingness to halt hostilities. “Cambodia agreed with the proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the two armed forces,” Prime Minister Manet said after the call, praising Trump’s role in “protecting the lives of many soldiers and civilians.”
Thailand, meanwhile, expressed openness to a ceasefire but insisted that dialogue must come first. “Thailand agrees in principle to have a ceasefire in place. However, Thailand would like to see sincere intention from the Cambodian side,” said the Thai foreign ministry.
The root of the conflict lies in a long-standing border dispute stemming from colonial-era boundary lines drawn during the French occupation of Cambodia. Tensions were reignited this week after both countries accused each other of initiating the latest clash—Thailand claims Cambodia used drones to surveil Thai troops, while Cambodia alleges Thai soldiers violated an agreement by advancing near a sacred Khmer-Hindu temple.
The talks are being facilitated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who had earlier offered to mediate. Monday’s meeting is seen as a critical step toward ending hostilities before a key economic deadline: US tariffs on Cambodian and Thai goods are set to take effect on 1 August, potentially affecting billions in trade unless a peace agreement is reached.
President Trump signaled that while he hoped to resume trade discussions, “it wasn’t appropriate to hold discussions until the fighting STOPS.”
As the region watches closely, the outcome of the talks in Malaysia could determine not only the future of peace between the two Southeast Asian neighbours, but also their economic ties with the United States.
