Thailand and Cambodia will meet in Malaysia for urgent talks after border clashes killed 32 people and injured over 130, raising fears of wider regional instability.
Thailand and Cambodia are set to meet in Malaysia today for talks aimed at ending a deadly border dispute that has already claimed dozens of lives.
Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will lead Bangkok’s delegation, while Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet is expected to join the mediation effort.
The clashes, now entering their fourth day, have left 32 people dead and more than 130 injured, prompting thousands of Cambodians to flee the border region.
Thailand has declared martial law in the contested areas after both nations exchanged artillery fire, raising fears of further escalation and drawing international concern.
Speaking in Scotland, U.S. President Donald Trump said he warned both countries that future trade agreements with Washington would be suspended if the fighting continues.
Trump added he believes the Malaysia talks are “a step toward de-escalation,” though both Thailand and Cambodia have continued to trade accusations of new shelling even after agreeing to discuss a ceasefire.
Regional analysts warn that unless today’s talks produce meaningful progress, the conflict could spiral further, destabilizing Southeast Asia and worsening the humanitarian crisis already unfolding along the border.
