Thailand‑Cambodia Border Truce Talks Gain Urgency as Fighting Enters Third Week

Thailand and Cambodia are moving toward new truce talks after fresh border clashes. The Thai Defence Minister will join negotiations on Saturday in Cambodia. The meeting aims to restore calm along the shared border. The talks come as the conflict enters its third week.

FILE PHOTO: Displaced people walk after receiving food at a temporary shelter amid clashes between Thailand and Cambodia along a disputed border area, in Buriram province, Thailand, December 16, 2025. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo

The push for peace follows heavy losses on both sides. According to Reuters, the latest fighting has killed at least 98 people and displaced more than half a million. The July truce collapsed in early December, leading to renewed violence across several border zones.

Thailand‑Cambodia Truce Talks Seek Fast Relief From Ongoing Clashes

The Thai government said the new talks will follow the framework of the earlier pact backed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The July deal had eased tensions for months before breaking down. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said both sides must avoid threats, insults, and actions that spark more violence.

Cambodian officials have held daily border meetings with Thailand since December 24. The talks have not ended the clashes. Forces from both nations remain active along forested inland routes and coastal zones. The 817‑kilometre border has long been disputed, and recent fighting has spread across multiple provinces.

Regional pressure is growing. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, head of ASEAN during the previous ceasefire, has urged both sides to stop the fighting. China has also moved in, with envoy Deng Xijun meeting leaders in Bangkok and Phnom Penh this week. Beijing wants immediate calm along the border due to rising security risks.

Regional Impact and Rising Pressure for a Lasting Border Agreement

The conflict now affects trade, transport, and local communities on both sides of the border. Thousands of families have fled their homes. Aid groups have warned of shortages in food and medical support if the conflict continues.

Analysts say both nations stand to gain from peace. Thailand hopes to restore stability in its northern provinces. Cambodia wants safe conditions for displaced villagers to return. Both governments have stressed that this new round of talks must deliver lasting results, not a short break in fighting.

Officials in Bangkok said the Defence Minister will push for strict compliance with any agreement reached. The Thai premier said he hopes this deal will be “the last” and will allow border residents to return home safely. Cambodian leaders have not yet commented ahead of the talks, but regional diplomats expect tough negotiations.

The Thailand‑Cambodia border truce talks carry high stakes for both nations. The next 48 hours may decide whether the region sees peace or more violence. Many hope the talks will finally end months of unrest along the Thailand‑Cambodia border.

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Q1: What is the goal of the Thailand-Cambodia truce talks?

The talks aim to stop the ongoing border clashes. Both sides want to restore the July truce that collapsed in early December. The meeting seeks a clear plan for peace.

Q2: When will the Thai Defence Minister join the talks?

The Defence Minister will join the talks on Saturday, December 27, 2025. The session will take place in Cambodia. Officials expect direct negotiations.

Q3: How many people have been affected by the border clashes?

According to Reuters, at least 98 people have died. More than half a million have been displaced. The fighting has spread across inland and coastal areas.

Q4: Why did the earlier truce collapse?

Both countries accuse each other of breaking the July deal. Tensions rose again in early December. Border forces then returned to active fighting.

Q5: Who is pressuring the two countries to stop fighting?

ASEAN leaders and China are urging an end to the violence. Malaysia and Beijing have held talks with both sides. They want quick steps toward peace.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, AP News, BBC News