After weeks of renewed fighting along their long‑contested border, Thailand and Cambodia have initiated diplomatic talks aimed at ending a fresh wave of deadly clashes, despite disputes over where negotiations should take place. The resumed dialogue comes amid heavy civilian displacement, mounting casualties, and intense international concern about stability in Southeast Asia.
Background: Border Conflict Escalates
The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is rooted in century‑old territorial disagreements dating back to colonial-era demarcations, particularly revolving around disputed border regions and ancient temple sites. The longstanding dispute reignited on 8 December 2025, triggering heavy clashes along stretches of the 817‑kilometre frontier that have killed dozens of people and displaced hundreds of thousands.
Efforts at maintaining a previous truce — originally brokered via regional diplomacy — collapsed in the days leading up to the latest violence, prompting renewed artillery, rocket, and airstrike exchanges. Both sides accuse each other of violations and aggression, while international actors such as ASEAN and China have called for restraint.
Negotiations Begin After Venue Dispute
Officials from Thailand and Cambodia commenced four days of negotiations on 24 December 2025 at a border checkpoint in Thailand’s Chanthaburi province, under the framework of the existing bilateral border committee. The talks aim to halt hostilities, restore stability, and facilitate a return to normalcy for civilians affected by the conflict.
The meeting almost faltered over a diplomatic disagreement about location. Cambodia had requested that the talks be moved to a neutral venue in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, citing ongoing insecurity near the border zones. Malaysia, as current ASEAN chair, had offered to host peace discussions. Thailand, however, rejected the venue change, asserting that Chanthaburi — where meetings of the General Border Committee are traditionally hosted — remained a safe location for talks.
Despite this disagreement, both delegations showed up and began discussions, an early sign of willingness by both parties to engage directly.
Human Cost of the Clashes
The recent clashes have had a devastating impact on border communities in both countries:
- Casualties have mounted on both sides, with at least 86 deaths reported in recent fighting — including both military personnel and civilians — although figures vary and official tallies continue to evolve.
- Mass displacement has compounded human suffering, with estimates suggesting nearly a million people forced from their homes on both sides of the frontier as artillery and air attacks claimed lives and destroyed property.
The conflict has not only prompted population displacement but also disrupted local economies, agricultural cycles, and access to critical services, deepening the urgency for a durable peace agreement.
Terms and Goals of the Talks
The current negotiations — scheduled to span several days — are structured around the Cambodia‑Thailand General Border Committee, a bilateral body tasked with addressing disputes and security issues along the frontier. Discussions are expected to focus on:
- Cessation of hostilities: Establishing clear steps to halt cross‑border fire and air operations.
- Trust‑building measures: Both sides have repeatedly underscored the need for sincerity and mutual confidence in any ceasefire arrangement.
- Demining and security guarantees: These issues have been raised as prerequisites for safe civilian returns and reduced friction along contested areas.
Thai officials have emphasised that any ceasefire must be grounded in actions rather than mere announcements, echoing longstanding frustrations from previous brief truces that quickly faltered.
Regional and International Involvement
The diplomatic push to resolve the conflict has drawn significant regional and international attention:
- ASEAN foreign ministers met in Kuala Lumpur shortly before the bilateral talks, seeking to salvage a ceasefire and encourage direct negotiation between the two nations.
- China’s special envoy has also been actively encouraging an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to peaceful dialogue, emphasising regional stability and constructive engagement.
Both governments have expressed cautious optimism about the talks but acknowledge that securing a durable peace will require sustained diplomatic effort beyond the current round of meetings.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the start of talks, fighting has continued near several border points, underlining the fragility of the situation and the deep mistrust that remains between Phnom Penh and Bangkok. Each side continues to blame the other for recent escalations, including allegations of shelling civilian areas and violations of previous ceasefire arrangements.
The venue row itself highlights broader challenges in managing diplomatic engagement: Cambodia’s request for neutral ground reflects genuine security concerns, while Thailand’s insistence on holding talks at Chanthaburi underscores sovereignty sensitivities and procedural norms. Balancing these positions will be critical if progress is to be made.
Domestic Repercussions and Public Opinion
The renewed conflict has also resonated domestically within both countries:
- In Thailand, the government faces pressure to protect national territory and respond assertively to perceived Cambodian military advances.
- In Cambodia, national sentiment has hardened around defending territorial integrity and securing safe conditions for negotiation.
These internal pressures complicate diplomatic maneuvering, as leaders must balance domestic political considerations with the urgent need to end hostilities.
Conclusion: A Fragile Step Toward Peace
The commencement of talks between Thailand and Cambodia — despite venue disagreements and ongoing violence — marks a crucial moment in a conflict that has inflicted considerable human and economic costs. While previous ceasefires have collapsed and suspicions linger, the current negotiation effort offers a structured framework for dialogue that could pave the way toward broader diplomatic engagement and a lasting resolution.
