Thailand-Cambodia Resume Border Peace Talks Once More

Thailand and Cambodia have resumed talks on Wednesday as they aim to secure a durable ceasefire, following renewed fighting along their shared border earlier this month.

Senior military officials met at a border checkpoint in Thailand"s Chanthaburi Province, with the opening meeting lasting about 35 minutes, Thai media reported. It marked the start of talks scheduled to run for four days.

The meeting had briefly been in doubt after Cambodia called for a neutral venue. However, they later confirmed the talks had begun, saying they were focused on ending hostilities and restoring stability.

What else do we know about the latest talks?

Thai officials said the talks were intended to prepare the ground for a possible meeting between the two countries' defense ministers on Saturday.

Until that time, discussions are continuing within a joint border committee at the state secretary level.

A Thai defence ministry spokesperson said Bangkok was "very hopeful" the talks would produce positive results, while adding that progress depended on Cambodia"s sincerity.

Thailand has previously called on Cambodia to declare a truce and cooperate on de-mining along the border.

Cambodia"s Interior Ministry said it was optimistic Thailand would show genuine commitment to implementing a ceasefire, despite ongoing cross-border fire.

Why are Thailand and Cambodia clashing?

Clashes have erupted at several points along the 817 kilometer (508 mile) border, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire, allegations each government denies.

Officials from both countries say dozens have been killed since fighting escalated again earlier in December, including civilians, while hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced.

The conflict stems from a decades-old territorial dispute linked to colonial-era border demarcations and the location of ancient temple ruins along the frontier.

Heavy fighting broke out in July, killing dozens. A ceasefire brokered with the involvement of the United States, China and Malaysia later collapsed, with tensions rising again after December 7 following renewed exchanges of fire.

Source: DW