Preliminary discussions have begun between Thailand and Cambodia regarding the maintenance of a peace agreement. The two countries agreed to halt the intense exchanges of fire on July 28. Initial talks between defense officials of both nations have commenced, coinciding with a scheduled meeting of the defense ministers of both countries in Malaysia next Thursday. It has been stated that during this meeting, senior defense officials from both countries will discuss maintaining the peace agreement.
The exchange of attacks between Thailand and Cambodia began in mid-July, following an injury to a Thai soldier near the border area. Thailand has accused Cambodia of planting mines near the border, which Cambodia has denied. The situation escalated, with armed forces from both sides exchanging heavy fire near the border. This marks the most intense exchange of fire between these two countries in the past 10 years, who have long been in dispute over border ownership. The death toll from these attacks has risen to 36, mostly civilians.
Following the agreement to cease hostilities, which was reached through negotiations initiated by Malaysia with assistance from the United States and China, both sides have been accusing each other of violating the agreement. Thailand has been accused of using high-tech equipment to install barbed wire and increase troop presence along Cambodia’s border. Additionally, Cambodia has been calling for the release of 18 soldiers in Thai custody. However, Thailand has stated that these individuals will only be released once a permanent peace agreement is formulated and implement.
