Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is set to facilitate peace negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, despite ongoing border conflicts on Sunday, with both parties accusing each other.
The heads of state from Thailand and Cambodia are set to convene in Malaysia on Monday, aiming to find a resolution after four days of...deadly border clashes, it was announced on Sunday.
Discussions between acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in Kuala Lumpur will be facilitated by Malaysian leader Anwar Ibrahim, who serves as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
They requested me to attempt to mediate a peace agreement," Anwar stated on Sunday. "I am currently talking about the details and terms, but what matters is an immediate halt to hostilities.
A representative from the Thai government verified Phumtham's involvement in the discussions aimed at "exploring peace initiatives in the area."
Cambodia's Hun Manet stated earlier on Sunday that his nation has agreed to work towards an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire."
At least 34 individuals have lost their lives, and approximately 200,000 others have been forced to leave their homes due to clashes between the two South-East Asian nations over disputed border temples this week, as artillery fire continued on Sunday.
Trump advocates for peace negotiations, warns of tariffs
U.S. President Donald Trump took responsibility for the upcoming peace negotiations, stating on Sunday before meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Turnbery, Scotland:
I talked to both prime ministers, and by the time I hung up, I believe they are ready to reach a settlement now.
Earlier, Trump had warned of extremely high tariffs on the two nations if they did not cease hostilities and reach trade agreements.
"After discussing with both sides, Ceasefire, Peace, and Prosperity appears to be a logical choice," he posted on social media on Saturday.after discussing with both leaders of the governmentWe ... do not wish to enter into any agreement with either country if they are at war. I am attempting to simplify a complicated situation!
Clashes between Thailand and Cambodia persist on Sunday
The two sides kept exchanging artillery fireOn Sunday, a spokesperson from the Cambodian defense ministry stated that Thai forces initiated attacks on regions near the village of Samraong at 4:50 a.m. local time, followed by a "large-scale invasion" involving tanks and ground troops in multiple locations.
"Such actions weaken every attempt at achieving peace and reveal Thailand's evident desire to intensify rather than reduce the conflict," she stated.
However, a Thai military spokesperson stated that Cambodian forces started shelling around 4:00 a.m. and accused them of launching shells into residential areas in Thailand's eastern Surin province.
"The Foreign Ministry of Thailand stated that any halt in hostilities cannot be achieved as Cambodia is significantly lacking in good faith and consistently breaches the fundamental principles of human rights and international humanitarian law," confirming the death of a Thai soldier.
We hurried to exit the house this morning," said a 61-year-old resident from the Thai border area to AFP while waiting to get on an evacuation bus. "All my neighbors have already departed, and we no longer felt secure staying.
As the conflict escalates, fueling nationalist feelings, the Thai government also cautioned its citizens to "avoid any form of violence, whether verbal or physical," towards Cambodians residing in the nation.
Writer: Matt Ford (Reuters, AFP)