Defence officials from Thailand and Cambodia are scheduled to meet on December 24, 2023, to discuss the possibility of resuming a ceasefire, as border fighting between the two nations enters its third week. The announcement came from Thailand’s Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, following a special meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers in Kuala Lumpur aimed at salvaging a truce originally brokered by ASEAN chair Malaysia and former US President Donald Trump after clashes in July.
The two countries agreed to utilize their General Border Committee, an established bilateral mechanism, for the upcoming discussions. Thailand has proposed that the talks take place along the border in the Thai province of Chanthaburi. During the briefing in Kuala Lumpur, Sihasak emphasized the need for a “true ceasefire” supported by a firm commitment from Cambodia and a detailed implementation plan. He underscored that de-mining efforts are essential to advance the peace process.
“A ceasefire cannot just be declared; it needs a discussion,” he stated, highlighting the complexities involved in reaching an agreement. The recent fighting has resulted in the deaths of at least 80 people and displaced more than half a million individuals.
The regional initiative for peace comes as diplomatic efforts by both the United States and China to end the conflict have yet to yield results. Sihasak clarified that neither the US nor China influenced the decision for the two countries to resume discussions, stressing that this is about Thailand and Cambodia “working things out.”
Accusations of aggression have been exchanged between Bangkok and Phnom Penh. Both nations blame each other for actions leading to the deterioration of a ceasefire that had been reinforced during a meeting in October. This earlier agreement included commitments to de-mine and withdraw troops and heavy weaponry from the border area.
Heavy exchanges of gunfire have been reported along their 817-kilometer land border, which stretches from forested areas near Laos to coastal provinces. Clashes reignited on Monday, with both sides accusing each other of hostility. Cambodia’s defence ministry accused Thailand of violating its sovereignty through “armed aggression,” asserting its determination to defend its territory “at any cost.”
Conversely, Thailand has alleged that Cambodia attempted to launch rockets at a border town, claiming that another soldier lost a leg due to a landmine. Thailand further accused Cambodia of laying new landmines, contravening international treaty obligations, a claim that Phnom Penh has categorically denied.
As the situation continues to evolve, the scheduled talks represent a critical opportunity for both nations to de-escalate tensions and work towards a sustainable resolution.
