Thai and Cambodian Leaders to Convene in Malaysia for Ceasefire Talks

KUALA LUMPUR: The prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia are scheduled to meet today in Malaysia to address the recent surge in border violence, prompted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s diplomatic intervention. The talks, set for 3 p.m. local time at the office of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, aim to secure a ceasefire in the deadliest conflict between the two nations in over a decade. Ibrahim, acting as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), will host the discussions, as reported by the Associated Press.

Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will lead the negotiations, following Trump’s weekend calls with both leaders. Trump, leveraging trade negotiations, warned that the U.S. would halt trade deal discussions with both countries unless the fighting ceases, according to a Reuters report citing U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio noted that State Department officials are in Malaysia to support the peace efforts.

The conflict, which intensified on July 24, stems from long-standing border disputes, including tensions over the Preah Vihear temple, a recurring flashpoint since colonial times. Thailand insists on a bilateral resolution, troop withdrawal, and an end to lethal force as conditions for a ceasefire, while Cambodia has signaled openness to an unconditional halt to hostilities, per the Associated Press.

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Trump, in a Truth Social post after his conversations with the leaders on Saturday, expressed optimism about resuming trade talks once peace is achieved, stating, “When all is done, and Peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!” Thailand, seeking to reduce its $46 billion trade surplus with the U.S., has offered increased market access for American goods, while neighboring countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam have recently secured trade agreements, according to the Associated Press.

Despite diplomatic efforts, both sides continue to accuse each other of aggression, with Thailand alleging Cambodian rocket and artillery attacks on civilian areas and Cambodia claiming Thai forces initiated the latest violence. The talks in Kuala Lumpur, facilitated by Malaysia’s role in ASEAN and supported by U.S. involvement, represent a critical step toward de-escalation in a region marked by historical tensions.