Thailand and Cambodia Resume Military Talks to Revive Ceasefire After Border Violence

Post by : Saif Nasser

Thailand and Cambodia have started new military talks in an effort to bring back a ceasefire after weeks of deadly fighting along their shared border. The discussions come after 16 days of heavy clashes that have killed at least 86 people and forced hundreds of thousands to leave their homes in both countries.

Senior military officials from Thailand and Cambodia met on December 25 at a border checkpoint. Thailand’s defence ministry said the General Border Committee talks are planned to last three days. Officials added that if these meetings move forward smoothly, they could lead to a formal agreement and a possible meeting between the defence ministers of both nations later this week. Cambodia also confirmed that the talks began in the afternoon and are being led by top generals from each side.

These discussions are seen as the most meaningful step so far toward peace since fighting intensified earlier this month. Thailand and Cambodia have a long history of disputes over certain border areas, with tensions lasting for decades. However, the current violence has been especially severe, affecting civilians on a large scale.

The talks follow a special meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers held in Kuala Lumpur two days earlier. That meeting was called to try to save a ceasefire agreement first reached in October. The truce was brokered by ASEAN chair Malaysia with support from the United States, and it included promises to reduce troops, remove heavy weapons, and begin demining in disputed areas.

Despite these agreements, fighting continued. Both Thailand and Cambodia accuse each other of breaking the ceasefire and launching attacks. Clashes have spread across several parts of the 817-kilometre-long border, from forest regions near Laos to coastal provinces near the Gulf of Thailand.

The impact on civilians has been serious. Cambodian authorities say at least 21 civilians have been killed and more than 500,000 people have been displaced. In Thailand, officials report at least 65 deaths and the evacuation of over 150,000 residents from border areas. Many families are currently living in temporary shelters, waiting for the violence to stop.

The situation has drawn international concern. The United States said it is worried about the ongoing fighting and rising casualties. A U.S. State Department spokesperson urged both sides to stop hostilities immediately, protect civilians, and fully follow the peace steps agreed in October. U.S. leaders remain in contact with officials in Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia to support efforts to calm the conflict.

Even as talks began, fresh accusations were exchanged. Cambodia’s defence ministry claimed Thai fighter jets dropped bombs in its border province of Banteay Meanchey, calling the attack harsh and dangerous for civilians. Thailand rejected the claim and accused Cambodia of firing heavy weapons into civilian areas in Sa Kaeo province, saying Thai forces responded to protect their people.

While mistrust remains high, the renewed talks offer hope for reducing violence. A successful ceasefire would allow displaced families to return home and begin rebuilding their lives. For now, people living near the border are watching closely, hoping that dialogue will bring peace where fighting has only brought suffering.