Thailand Cambodia Truce Talks Face Dispute Over Venue as Border Clashes Intensify

Thailand and Cambodia prepared for truce talks this week after two weeks of deadly border clashes. The meeting was announced for Wednesday. It was set to take place in Chanthaburi, Thailand. But Cambodia objected to the venue and asked for talks in Kuala Lumpur instead. The Thailand Cambodia truce talks have now stalled as fighting continues along the border.

The dispute matters because violence has already killed dozens. It has forced hundreds of thousands to flee. Both countries say they want peace, but each claims security concerns. The conflict has drawn regional attention, especially from ASEAN, which met in Malaysia on Monday to push for calm.

Thailand Cambodia Truce Talks Struggle Amid Security Fears

According to Reuters and AFP, Cambodia’s defence ministry sent a formal letter on Monday. The letter urged Thailand to move the talks to Kuala Lumpur. Cambodia said the border area was unsafe. It warned that ongoing shelling made travel dangerous for its delegation.

Thailand rejected that view. Thailand’s foreign minister said the meeting should follow the existing process. He said the border committee usually meets inside Thailand. He also said the timing was agreed earlier during an ASEAN meeting in Malaysia.

Clashes have grown harsher in recent days. Officials said at least 23 people have died in Thailand and 21 in Cambodia. More than 900,000 people have been displaced on both sides. Cambodia accused Thailand of launching air strikes on Monday. Thailand has not confirmed that claim, but reports from AP said shelling continued near Poipet.

Both sides say they are acting in defence. But each claims the other broke the earlier truce. Regional diplomats fear the violence could spread if talks are delayed. Malaysia, which chairs ASEAN this year, said it was ready to host the meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

Why the Venue Matters and What Comes Next

The venue dispute may seem small, but it reflects deeper mistrust. Cambodia believes a neutral ground is safer. Thailand believes moving talks abroad weakens its position. Both sides want a ceasefire but disagree on how to get there.

The wider region is watching closely. The border between the two nations has seen flare‑ups for years. Many families in the border towns depend on safe passage for trade. When violence rises, markets shut down and transport stops. The impact hits farmers and small businesses first.

ASEAN hopes to prevent a larger crisis. But the bloc rarely intervenes directly. It instead encourages talks and cooperation. Regional analysts say quick dialogue is needed to stop more deaths. They warn that every day of delay increases the chance of more clashes.

The Thailand Cambodia truce talks now hang in the balance. Both sides say they want peace. But without agreement on where to meet, the conflict risks going on longer.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: What are the Thailand Cambodia truce talks about?

The talks aim to stop new clashes along the border. Both sides want a ceasefire. They hope to secure safe zones for civilians.

Q2: Why does Cambodia want the venue moved?

Cambodia says the border is unsafe. It wants a neutral location in Kuala Lumpur. It believes this will protect its delegation.

Q3: How many people have been displaced?

Officials say more than 900,000 people have fled. Many left homes in border towns. Aid groups say the number may rise if fighting continues.

Q4: What is ASEAN’s role?

ASEAN is trying to support dialogue. It held talks in Malaysia on Monday. It wants both sides to agree to a safe and fair meeting.

Q5: What caused the renewed fighting?

Both sides accuse each other of breaking the earlier truce. Shelling began again this month. Tension had been rising for weeks.

Trusted Sources

Reuters
AP
AFP
BBC News