Cambodia and Thailand begin four-day border talks to end deadly clashes, aiming for a ceasefire and stability after renewed fighting displaced millions.
CHANTHABURI: Cambodian and Thai defence officials have begun four days of talks at a border checkpoint aimed at negotiating an end to deadly clashes.
The meeting in Thailand’s Chanthaburi province proceeded after a dispute over the venue, with Phnom Penh having initially demanded a switch to a neutral location.
A Cambodian government statement said the talks seek to “ensure the cessation of hostilities”, restore stability and “facilitate a swift return to normalcy”.
The neighbours’ long-standing border conflict reignited this month, shattering an earlier truce.
The renewed fighting has killed more than 40 people and displaced around one million, according to officials.
Talks are due to run until Saturday, with Thai defence ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri expressing hope for positive outcomes.
He added that success depends on the Cambodian side’s sincerity in both words and actions.
Bangkok has previously demanded that Phnom Penh announce a truce first and cooperate in de-mining efforts at the border.
Despite ongoing cross-border fire, Cambodia’s interior ministry this week said it was optimistic about Thai sincerity in implementing a ceasefire.
The conflict stems from a territorial dispute over the colonial-era demarcation of their 800-kilometre border.
It also involves ancient temple ruins situated on the frontier, with each side blaming the other for instigating fresh fighting since December 7.
Both countries have traded accusations of attacks on civilians, following five days of clashes in July that killed dozens.
A truce brokered by the United States, China and Malaysia to end the July fighting proved short-lived.
