Thai and Cambodian leaders are set to meet in Malaysia for talks aimed at ending ongoing hostilities, a spokesperson for the Thai prime minister’s office confirmed Sunday. The discussions come amid growing international pressure, including from U.S. President Donald Trump, to resolve a deadly border dispute that has lasted four days, leaving at least 34 people dead and forcing more than 168,000 to flee their homes. Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will attend Monday’s talks, invited by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is chairing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year. Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet is also expected to participate, although Cambodian officials have yet to confirm.
The talks follow Trump’s recent intervention, during which he warned both countries that continued violence could impact their trade agreements with the U.S. Both sides have agreed to discuss an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Cambodia has committed to halting attacks, with Hun Manet tasking his deputy to coordinate ceasefire implementation with U.S. officials and Thai counterparts. Thailand has cautiously agreed in principle, stressing the need for genuine intent from Cambodia and calling for rapid bilateral negotiations. However, fighting continued in contested border areas Sunday, with both nations accusing each other of initiating and escalating the conflict. Thailand reported one more soldier killed, raising its death toll to 21, mostly civilians, while Cambodia reported 13 fatalities. The violence has displaced hundreds of thousands, shuttered schools and hospitals, and left villages deserted. Residents displaced by the conflict express hope for a swift and peaceful resolution as international bodies urge ASEAN to mediate and call for civilian protection amid reports of banned weapons use.