In a bid to resolve ongoing tensions and violence along the border between Thailand and Cambodia, leaders from both nations have committed to a significant meeting of defense officials. This initiative, announced amidst an urgent call from Southeast Asian leaders for restraint and dialogue, underscores the collective efforts to stabilize the region and prioritize peace over conflict.
Thailand and Cambodia are set to hold a crucial meeting of defense officials this week, following escalating violence along their shared border. The announcement was made by Thailand’s Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, after a special gathering of Southeast Asian foreign ministers in Kuala Lumpur, aimed at salvaging a fragile ceasefire. This truce was initially brokered by Malaysia, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the previous administration of U.S. President Donald Trump after hostilities erupted in July.
The discussions are scheduled to take place on Wednesday in Chanthaburi, Thailand, under the aegis of an existing bilateral border committee. This meeting comes at a time when both nations have experienced intense exchanges of artillery and rocket fire along their 817-kilometer (508-mile) border, primarily affecting regions from the forests bordering Laos to coastal areas near the Gulf of Thailand.
Less than 24 hours following the regional crisis talks in Malaysia, Cambodia’s Ministry of Defence reported that Thailand had deployed fighter jets to target areas in Siem Reap and Preah Vihear. In turn, the Thai military accused Cambodia of firing dozens of rockets across the border, prompting retaliatory airstrikes on Cambodian military positions. Despite the harrowing violence, Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior expressed optimism that Thailand would act sincerely in pursuing a ceasefire.
However, Minister Sihasak cautioned that immediate results from the forthcoming meeting may not be guaranteed. “A ceasefire does not come with an announcement, but must stem from concrete actions,” he emphasized. His ministry has articulated that detailed discussions will focus on the practical implementation, necessary steps, and verification of the ceasefire.
The planned meeting comes in the wake of an appeal from ASEAN, urging both Thailand and Cambodia to exercise maximum restraint and take swift action towards halting all forms of hostilities. ASEAN also called for both nations to work on restoring mutual trust and confidence, emphasizing the importance of dialogue. Additionally, the regional bloc expressed concerns regarding the impact of ongoing conflict on civilians, advocating for their safe and dignified return to their homes in the affected border areas.
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