Cambodian and Thai officials began discussions spanning four days at a border post on Wednesday, with the goal of working toward a halt to the fatal fighting between the two neighbors, Cambodia stated.
The meeting in Thailand’s Chanthaburi province had been at risk after Cambodia demanded a switch to a different location.
The Cambodian authorities, however, posted a photograph of the two defense officials in a simply-furnished meeting room and confirmed the talks had commenced, aiming to “ensure the cessation of hostilities”, bring back calm and “pave the way for a quick restoration to normalcy”.
Historical Frontier Tensions Resumed
The two countries' long-standing border conflict reignited this month, breaking an earlier truce, causing the deaths of more than 40 people and uprooting around a million, authorities reported.
Discussions are anticipated to run until Saturday, and the Thai military spokesman Surasant Kongsiri told reporters that Bangkok was “quite optimistic that the talks will have favorable results”.
“Yet he said its success depended on the Cambodian side’s genuine commitment in deeds and statements.”
Key Requests and Hope
Thailand has in the past insisted that Cambodia announce a truce first and participate in landmine clearance operations at the frontier.
Notwithstanding persistent exchange of fire, the Cambodian Ministry of Interior said this week it was “optimistic that the Thai side will demonstrate sincerity” in putting a halt to fighting into action.
Source of the Tensions
The clashes arises from a border disagreement over the historical mapping from the colonial period of the two countries’ lengthy common boundary and a handful of old religious structures found along the dividing line.
Both parties has accused the opposite party for sparking the resumed hostilities since 7 December and leveled claims of attacks on civilians after a week of fighting in July killed dozens of people.
The US, People's Republic of China and Malaysian authorities mediated a ceasefire to halt that phase of fighting, but the ceasefire was short-lived.
