Thailand Rejects Cambodia’s Request for Neutral-Venue Border Talks

Thailand has rejected Cambodia’s call for border talks in a neutral country. The decision was announced on Tuesday in Bangkok. The talks were meant to ease deadly border clashes that began again this month. The fighting has killed more than 40 people and displaced over 900,000 on both sides.

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Cambodia asked for the meeting to move to Malaysia. Thailand refused and said the talks will stay in Chanthaburi province. The standoff now puts the planned truce meeting at risk.

Thailand Cambodia Border Conflict Tensions Rise Over Venue Dispute

The Thai Defence Ministry said the General Border Committee will meet in Chanthaburi from December 24 to 27. The ministry said the venue is safe. It also said the meeting site was set long before the latest fighting. This was reported by outlets including Reuters and AP.

Cambodia has not confirmed if it will attend. Its defence minister said the border is still unsafe. He asked for Kuala Lumpur to host the talks. He said a neutral venue would help protect both sides.

The conflict is rooted in old border lines drawn during colonial rule. The 800-kilometre border includes several ancient temples. Both sides claim parts of the land around these sites. Small clashes have occurred for years. But this month’s surge is the worst since July, when dozens were killed.

Thailand says Cambodia started the new attacks. Cambodia says Thailand fired first. Both sides accuse each other of hitting civilians. The United States, China, and Malaysia brokered a ceasefire earlier this year. But the truce collapsed in days.

Regional Pressure Builds as Search for Lasting Truce Continues

ASEAN foreign ministers met in Kuala Lumpur on Monday to push for new talks. Thailand’s foreign minister said the meeting with Cambodia was agreed after that session. But the venue dispute may halt progress.

Thai forces say they will fight as long as Cambodia does. Cambodia says Thailand shelled Poipet and bombed parts of Preah Vihear province on Tuesday. The fighting now stretches almost the entire border.

International pressure has grown. US President Donald Trump has spoken about the conflict many times. He said he believed the situation was stabilizing. But Thailand suspended an earlier joint declaration with Cambodia last month. This adds new uncertainty to the peace process.

The path forward remains unclear. Both nations say they want peace. Yet neither will yield on the venue. The displaced families along the border wait for calm. Each day of delay adds more risk.

The Thailand Cambodia border conflict now enters a critical phase. The next move from both sides will decide if talks go ahead or collapse. The region watches closely for signs of peace.

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Q1: What caused the Thailand Cambodia border conflict?

The conflict began from disputes over old border lines. Both sides claim land around ancient temple areas. Small clashes grew into larger battles this month.

Q2: Why did Cambodia request a neutral venue?

It said the border is unsafe. It believes a neutral site like Kuala Lumpur would protect delegates. It also said it would help build trust.

Q3: How many people have been displaced?

Officials say more than 900,000 people have fled the border zones. This number includes residents on both sides. Many are now in temporary shelters.

Q4: Has ASEAN taken action?

ASEAN ministers met in Kuala Lumpur to push for talks. They support a truce. But the venue dispute has slowed progress.

Q5: What did Thailand say about the original venue?

Thailand said Chanthaburi was chosen long ago. It said the area is safe. It also said the last meeting was in Cambodia, so it is Thailand’s turn to host.