Thailand and Cambodia Set for Peace Talks Amid Escalating Conflict

Mon Dec 22 2025 15:59:01 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Officials from Thailand and Cambodia are gearing up for crucial discussions to revive a ceasefire as violence along their shared border displaces nearly a million individuals. The conflict, reignited after a failed ceasefire, raises urgent humanitarian concerns.

In light of ongoing hostilities that have led to significant casualties and mass displacements, Thailand and Cambodia plan to hold talks next week aimed at establishing a ceasefire. Initial agreements made in July failed, prompting blame from both nations for the recent violence. The situation has escalated to the worst inter-state conflict among ASEAN members since its inception.

Officials from Thailand and Cambodia will meet next week to discuss the possibility of reviving a ceasefire, Thailand's foreign minister stated, as deadly border clashes entered a third week.

Both countries had signed a ceasefire earlier in July, brokered by US President Donald Trump. However, fighting reignited earlier this month, with each nation blaming the other. A summit in Malaysia marked the first face-to-face meeting of top officials since hostilities resumed.

Thailand's Foreign Minister remarked that the July ceasefire was 'rushed' due to pressure from the US to have a declaration signed ahead of Trump's visit, emphasizing the necessity of a more genuine and lasting ceasefire agreement.

A military officials' meeting is scheduled for December 24 to discuss the conflict, following which a ceasefire agreement could be negotiated. Reports indicate that at least 41 individuals have died in the renewed fighting, with approximately one million people displaced from their homes.

The recent conflict has led to artillery exchanges along the lengthy 800km border, with Thailand conducting airstrikes against Cambodian positions. Both nations have been urged to address this escalating crisis, given its impact on their populations and regional stability.

This conflict, described as the worst between ASEAN member states since the association's founding in 1967, highlights significant challenges within the bloc. Efforts by both the US and China to mediate a ceasefire have also been reported.

Chinese envoy Deng Xijun recently visited Phnom Penh, pledging to support ongoing dialogue between the two nations.

Historical tensions have existed between Thailand and Cambodia for over a century, with both sides experiencing sporadic clashes leading to significant casualties. The latest surge in conflict has roots in previous eruptions of violence and has triggered serious humanitarian concerns among the affected populations.