Kuala Lumpur: Border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated once again as both sides reported fresh exchanges of fire, just as foreign ministers from the two countries are set to meet in Kuala Lumpur for face-to-face talks.
Cambodia’s Defence Ministry accused Thailand of deploying F-16 jets to drop bombs and use “toxic gas,” according to the state-run Agence Kampuchea Press. Thai media, meanwhile, reported that Cambodian forces fired “heavy weapons,” igniting fires and damaging homes in the Khok Sung district of Cambodia’s eastern province. Fighting was also reported in Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province.
The high-level talks in Malaysia, hosted under the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), mark the first direct discussions between the two governments since fighting resumed on December 8. The ministers aim to revive a ceasefire brokered earlier this year by Malaysia, the current ASEAN chair, and former US President Donald Trump.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who remains in government house for a national security council meeting, has not made a public statement this morning. Yesterday, he delivered mixed messages, saying Thailand was open to a ceasefire but insisting Cambodia must stop firing first, describing Thailand’s actions as defensive to protect national interests. At the same time, he stressed that a ceasefire is “absolutely necessary” to end the conflict.
Analysts note that the clashes have given Anutin a temporary political boost. Earlier this month, he faced low approval ratings following criticism of the government’s handling of severe floods. Public perception that he is now protecting national interests ahead of elections in the next two months could improve his standing—but only if the human and economic costs of the conflict do not escalate further.
ASEAN foreign ministers are expected to prioritize de-escalation and push for a return to dialogue, emphasizing the importance of stability in the region. Both Thailand and Cambodia are members of the regional bloc and face international pressure to resolve the dispute peacefully.
