Sisaket, 28 July (H.S.): Leaders of Thailand and Cambodia are set to participate in mediation talks in Malaysia on Monday amidst a border conflict that has turned deadly. The Thai government announced that acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai would lead the Thai delegation. Tensions have surged following the killing of a Cambodian soldier in a skirmish in late May, prompting both nations to reinforce their border troops and resulting in a serious diplomatic crisis for Thailand’s coalition government. Renewed fighting occurred last Thursday, leading to the worst clashes in over ten years, with a death toll exceeding 30, including civilians on both sides, and over 200,000 evacuations.

The talks follow proposals for a ceasefire from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and statements from U.S. President Donald Trump about cooperation towards peace. Both countries have traded accusations regarding the recent hostilities, with Cambodia’s Defence Ministry claiming Thailand conducted artillery attacks along the border, targeting historic temple sites. Local sentiments in Cambodia express hope for an end to the violence to foster peace between the nations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar