BANGKOK, Thailand. Thai and Cambodian leaders are set to meet in Kuala Lumpur on Monday to discuss an end to the ongoing border conflict that has killed at least 35 people and displaced more than 218,000, Thai officials confirmed Sunday.
The meeting, hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in his capacity as this year’s ASEAN chair, comes after U.S. President Donald Trump pressured both sides to pursue a ceasefire. Trump warned he would halt trade deals if hostilities continued and announced via Truth Social that both sides had agreed to negotiate.
Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will lead the Thai delegation, while Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet confirmed his participation on social media. Hun Manet also revealed that the meeting will be co-organized by the United States and attended by China, a close ally of Cambodia.
Earlier Sunday, Hun Manet stated that Cambodia was ready for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire.” Trump reportedly told him that Thailand had also agreed to halt attacks. However, Phumtham clarified that while Thailand agreed in principle, it demanded “sincere intention” from Cambodia.
Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting continued Sunday along disputed parts of the border. Thai officials accused Cambodian forces of heavy artillery attacks in Surin province, including civilian areas and the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple. In response, Thai troops launched counterattacks using long-range artillery.
Col. Richa Suksowanont, a Thai military spokesperson, said a ceasefire would only be possible if Cambodia formally initiates negotiations. The Thai military warned that Cambodia might be preparing for a larger military offensive.
Meanwhile, Cambodia accused Thai forces of launching large-scale ground incursions with tanks and intensifying bombardment of its territory. Defense Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata claimed the Thai government was undermining peace efforts.
Thailand reported one new military fatality on Sunday, bringing its total to 22, mostly civilians. Cambodia reported 13 deaths, including Lt. Gen. Duong Samnieng.
More than 139,000 Thais and 79,000 Cambodians have been forced to flee their homes. Border villages remain largely deserted, with schools and hospitals closed. Many evacuees are sheltering in makeshift camps.
“I couldn’t focus on work when I heard the news,” said Pichayut Surasit, a Thai air-conditioning technician who returned from Bangkok to protect his family. He now resides in a Surin shelter housing about 6,000 evacuees.
Bualee Chanduang, a local vendor displaced with her family and pet rabbit, is praying for peace. “I pray for God to help so that both sides can agree to talk and end this war,” she said.
At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV said he was praying for all victims of war, including those affected by the Thailand-Cambodia conflict, especially children and displaced families.
The border between Thailand and Cambodia has long been disputed, but past clashes were typically brief. Tensions flared again in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed, triggering a diplomatic fallout that has since escalated.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
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