Ceasefire discussions between Thailand and Cambodia commenced at a border checkpoint in Thailand’s Chanthaburi Province at approximately 9:40 a.m. local time on Saturday. If an agreement is reached, the two nations are anticipated to sign a ceasefire declaration at noon. Cambodian Defence Ministry’s Undersecretary of State and spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata reported that Thai F-16 fighter jets dropped around 40 bombs in a border village in Banteay Meanchey province on Friday. The bombardment resulted in the destruction of civilian residences and public infrastructure in Chok Chey village.
On the same day, the Thai military also launched artillery shells into a civilian residential area in Poipet Municipality of Banteay Meanchey province, as stated by Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on December 25, emphasized the necessity for the full execution of the Peace Accords amidst the ongoing conflict between Cambodia and Thailand. During a discussion with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Secretary Rubio reiterated the United States’ readiness to facilitate talks aimed at ensuring peace and stability between the two nations.
The recent clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border, rooted in long-standing territorial disputes dating back to the colonial era, reignited in late May following military confrontations in border regions. Thailand’s military announced on Thursday that border discussions with Cambodia had entered the second day, with overall clashes along the frontier showing a decline. Approximately 30 Cambodian delegates participated in the meeting, with Malaysian members of the ASEAN observer team in Thailand also in attendance.
A Thai military spokesperson, during a press briefing on Thursday, highlighted that the intensity of border skirmishes between the two countries has generally lessened, with exchanges of fire remaining localized.
