Thailand and Cambodia open ceasefire talks in Malaysia

The historic truce talks between Thailand and Cambodia, aimed at securing an immediate ceasefire and halting hostilities along the disputed border, began in Putrajaya on Monday.

The meeting, brokered by Malaysia and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in his capacity as the current ASEAN Chair, is being held to de-escalate rising tensions and restore stability along the conflict-hit border areas, according to Malaysia’s state-owned news agency Bernama.

Thailand's acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, arrived at Seri Perdana—the official residence of the Malaysian Prime Minister and the venue of the meeting at about 2:51 p.m., followed shortly after by Cambodian leader Hun Manet.

Also attending the meeting were US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, who are participating as co-facilitators.

Last Friday, Anwar called Phumtham and Manet separately, appealing to both leaders to agree to an immediate ceasefire and return to dialogue to resolve their dispute.

Anwar told the meeting that Malaysia stands ready to assist and facilitate the peace process in the spirit of ASEAN unity and shared responsibility.

The two Southeast Asian neighbours have a long history of diplomatic tensions over an 817-kilometre undemarcated stretch of their shared border.

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have been simmering since May 28, following a skirmish between their troops near the disputed Preah Vihear border area, which claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier.

The latest round of hostilities erupted on July 24, with armed clashes reported along Cambodia's northern border region, resulting in fatalities on both sides.

Thousands of civilians on both sides of the border have been forced to evacuate. Fourteen Thais, mostly civilians, have been killed by Cambodian troops.