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.

Cambodia has accused Thailand of launching airstrikes on its territory just hours after a regional ASEAN meeting in Malaysia. Phnom Penh’s defense ministry stated that Thai F-16 fighter jets bombed several areas in Siem Reap and Preah Vihear provinces on Monday, despite both countries agreeing earlier in the week to hold ceasefire talks aimed at ending deadly border clashes.

The Cambodian statement described the strikes as a violation of the spirit of regional diplomacy, coming immediately after ASEAN discussions on border stability. Thailand has not yet issued an official response to the allegations. The two nations have long disputed sections of their shared border, with tensions periodically flaring into violence.

Regional observers warn that the latest incident could undermine ASEAN’s efforts to mediate peace and may further destabilize the border region. Diplomatic sources suggest emergency consultations could follow if the situation escalates further.

Cambodia’s Interior Ministry announced that more than 518,000 people have been displaced amid two weeks of intense fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border. The ministry’s statement from Phnom Penh said civilians, including women and children, fled their homes and schools to escape artillery fire, rocket attacks, and airstrikes reportedly involving Thai F-16 fighter jets.

The renewed border conflict, which has caused widespread destruction, has also displaced about 400,000 people in Thailand, according to Thai authorities. Both governments have accused each other of violating territorial integrity, while humanitarian agencies warn of worsening conditions for displaced families lacking food, shelter, and medical care.

Regional observers fear the escalation could derail ongoing peace discussions and destabilize Southeast Asia’s fragile border security. International organizations are urging both sides to agree to a ceasefire and allow humanitarian access to affected areas.

Cambodia is preparing to declare a unilateral ceasefire following 11 days of intense border clashes with Thailand that have left at least 52 people dead. The conflict, which began on December 7, has seen artillery, drone, and rocket exchanges along the disputed frontier, displacing more than 800,000 civilians from both sides. Cambodia’s Defense Ministry accused Thai forces of continuing bombardments, while Thailand insisted that Phnom Penh, as the alleged aggressor, must initiate a credible ceasefire.

Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Marati Nalita Andamo stated that any truce must meet specific conditions and include cooperation on landmine clearance. Cambodia has not officially responded to Thailand’s demand. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said both nations had agreed to halt fighting, though shelling reportedly continued. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul denied any external pressure to end hostilities.

The proposed ceasefire could mark a turning point in one of Southeast Asia’s most serious border escalations in recent years. Regional observers warn that without mutual trust and international mediation, renewed violence remains a significant risk.

At least seven people have been killed in renewed border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, officials confirmed on Tuesday. Cambodian authorities reported that two civilians were killed overnight in Banteay Meanchey province after Thai forces shelled the area, bringing the total death toll to seven. Earlier, four Cambodian civilians were killed and ten injured in artillery fire along the Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey border zones.

The Thai military said one of its soldiers was killed and 18 others wounded since the fighting began on Sunday. Both sides have accused each other of initiating the latest round of hostilities, which included airstrikes and the use of tanks by Thai forces. The violence marks one of the deadliest flare-ups in recent years along the disputed frontier.

The conflict stems from a century-old border disagreement dating back to the French colonial era, with both nations claiming sovereignty over several temple areas. Regional observers warn that continued escalation could undermine ASEAN stability and call for urgent diplomatic intervention.

At least 16 people were killed and more than 24 injured when a passenger bus lost control and plunged from a bridge into a river in Cambodia’s central Kampong Thom province early Thursday morning. Police said the bus, carrying 37 passengers from Oddar Meanchey province to the capital Phnom Penh, fell into a canal around 3 a.m. The vehicle had stopped in Siem Reap, a major tourist hub, to pick up passengers before the crash. Authorities suspect one of the two alternating drivers may have fallen asleep at the wheel. Cambodia’s Interior Minister Sar Sokha shared images of the rescue operation showing a crane lifting the half-submerged bus. The death toll initially stood at 13 but rose to 16 after the recovery operation concluded. All victims were Cambodian nationals. Injured passengers were admitted to Kampong Thom Provincial Hospital, while the bodies of the deceased were handed over to their families. Road safety data show nearly 700 people died in traffic accidents in Cambodia during the first half of 2025, slightly down from 800 in the same period last year.