Are Cambodia and Thailand Ready for Ceasefire Talks in Malaysia?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- High-level talks between Cambodia and Thailand are set to begin in Malaysia.
- The US is actively involved in promoting peace efforts.
- Both nations are urged to de-escalate tensions and agree on a ceasefire.
- Thailand seeks sincere intentions from Cambodia regarding the ceasefire.
- Cambodia expresses readiness for an immediate ceasefire.
Washington, July 28 (NationPress) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced that Cambodia and Thailand are preparing to initiate high-level discussions in Malaysia, with the objective of securing an immediate ceasefire as tensions rise due to border clashes between the two nations.
In a statement, Rubio said, “Cambodia and Thailand are set to begin high-level talks in Malaysia shortly, with hopes of reaching an immediate ceasefire. State Department staff are actively present in Malaysia to support these peace initiatives. Both President Donald Trump and I are closely engaging with our counterparts in each country to monitor the situation. Our aim is to bring an end to this conflict as quickly as possible.”
On Sunday, Rubio conducted separate phone calls with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn, pressing both nations to de-escalate tensions and come to an agreement on a ceasefire concerning the ongoing border dispute.
“Secretary Rubio emphasized President Trump’s commitment to peace and the urgent need for a ceasefire. The United States is ready to facilitate future negotiations to foster peace and stability between Thailand and Cambodia,” stated US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
In response to President Trump’s plea for a ceasefire, Thailand announced on Sunday that it is in principle supportive of a ceasefire but expects genuine intentions from Cambodia.
The Thai Foreign Ministry released a statement confirming that “Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had a conversation with President Trump, who urged for an immediate ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia.”
Phumtham relayed to Trump that “Thailand is in principle aligned with the notion of a ceasefire, but it is essential that we see sincere intentions from Cambodia,” according to the statement.
He also requested Trump to communicate to the Cambodian side that “Thailand is eager to engage in bilateral dialogue promptly to establish the measures and procedures necessary for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict,” it added.
On the Cambodian side, Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated the country’s readiness for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” between the armed forces of Cambodia and Thailand.
Border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand began on Thursday, with both nations accusing each other of breaching international law.