Cambodia has formally invited Thailand to hold ceasefire talks in Kuala Lumpur following two weeks of deadly border clashes. In a letter obtained by AFP, Cambodia’s defense minister Tea Seiha urged that the meeting be held in a neutral and secure venue due to ongoing hostilities along the frontier. The proposal comes after at least 23 people in Thailand and 21 in Cambodia were killed, with over 900,000 displaced across both countries.
Thailand’s foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeo had earlier announced plans for a bilateral meeting under the existing Joint Border Committee framework in Chanthaburi province. However, Cambodia’s request to shift the venue to Malaysia, the current ASEAN chair, underscores concerns over safety and impartiality. Malaysia has reportedly agreed to host the dialogue.
Tensions remain high as Cambodia accused Thailand of launching airstrikes shortly after the meeting announcement. Continued shelling near the border town of Poipet has further strained relations, raising fears of a wider regional crisis if diplomacy fails to take hold.