Cambodian and Thai Leaders Meet for Ceasefire Talks Amid Deadly Border Clashes
Leaders from Thailand and Cambodia are meeting in Malaysia for urgent talks aimed at halting five days of deadly border clashes. The conflict, which has killed at least 35 people and displaced over 260,000, prompted international calls for peace. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is hosting the negotiations as ASEAN chair. The violence marks a rare military confrontation between the member states, with both sides trading blame for initiating the hostilities. An immediate ceasefire is the primary goal of the talks.
Unpacked:
The conflict stems from colonial-era borders set by the 1907 Franco-Siamese treaty. Disputes over the Preah Vihear Temple area have persisted, with the International Court of Justice awarding it to Cambodia in 1962, but both countries have long contested the surrounding territory, fueling tensions and periodic clashes.
Tensions escalated after a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine on July 23, 2025. The following day, both sides engaged in heavy fighting, including artillery and airstrikes, along several kilometers of the border, with each side blaming the other for initiating hostilities.
Cambodia accused Thailand of launching an unprovoked assault, while Thailand claimed Cambodian soldiers fired first near the temple. Analysts note Cambodia engaged in more escalatory actions, but both sides accuse each other of aggression and self-defense.
The international community, including ASEAN and neighboring countries, has called for an immediate ceasefire and peaceful negotiations. Malaysia, as ASEAN chair, is mediating talks, while China, with close ties to Cambodia, is seen as a potential broker for peace.