Will Cambodian and Thai Leaders Reach a Resolution in Malaysia Over Border Conflict?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- High-level talks between Cambodia and Thailand are set for Monday in Malaysia.
- The meeting aims for an immediate ceasefire amid ongoing border clashes.
- Anwar Ibrahim is facilitating the discussions as the current ASEAN chair.
- U.S. officials are present in Malaysia to support peace efforts.
- Both nations are urged to de-escalate tensions immediately.
Phnom Penh/Bangkok, July 28 (NationPress) Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai are set to convene on Monday in Malaysia to discuss the persistent border conflict.
"I will head a Cambodian delegation to participate in a special meeting in Kuala Lumpur," Hun Manet mentioned in a statement on his official social media accounts on Sunday evening, further stating that "the goal of this meeting is to secure an immediate ceasefire."
He expressed gratitude towards Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his initiative and coordination in organizing this important meeting.
Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub indicated on Sunday that Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will lead a delegation to Malaysia to engage in discussions regarding the Thai-Cambodian border tensions.
According to Jirayu Houngsub's statement, Phumtham is scheduled to travel to Malaysia on Monday at the invitation of Anwar Ibrahim, who is currently chairing ASEAN, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The armed confrontations between Cambodian and Thai troops over disputed border territories have now extended into a fifth day, according to Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, undersecretary of state and spokesperson for the Cambodian defense ministry.
Earlier today, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that high-level discussions between Cambodia and Thailand are poised to take place in Malaysia, with the aim of achieving an immediate ceasefire amidst the escalating border clashes.
“Cambodia and Thailand are about to initiate high-level discussions in Malaysia in the hopes of establishing an immediate ceasefire. State Department officials are present in Malaysia to support these peace initiatives. Both President Donald Trump and I are actively engaged with our respective counterparts in each country, closely monitoring the situation. We are eager for this conflict to reach a resolution swiftly,” Rubio's press statement mentioned.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, Rubio conducted separate phone conversations with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, urging both nations to swiftly de-escalate tensions and agree to a ceasefire concerning the ongoing border dispute.