Ceasefire in focus as Thai, Cambodian leaders gather in Putrajaya

PUTRAJAYA: Leaders from Thailand and Cambodia are expected to meet here at 3pm on Monday (July 28) for a high-level negotiation aimed at halting deadly border clashes that have erupted between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.

The conflict, which flared up on July 25 near Cambodia’s northern border, has already claimed more than 20 lives on the Thai side.

Cambodian authorities have reported five soldiers and eight civilians killed, with thousands of residents displaced across both sides.

Tensions have been brewing since a fatal skirmish on May 28 near the disputed Preah Vihear border zone, where a Cambodian soldier was reportedly shot.

The 817-kilometre undemarcated stretch between the two countries has long been a flashpoint for military and diplomatic disputes.

On Sunday, the Thai government confirmed its participation in the regional consultation hosted by Malaysia, expressing hope that the talks would pave the way for informed decisions and help restore calm.

Thai Government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap said the meeting would serve to consider peace proposals submitted by both sides.

In an event here on Sunday (July 27), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that he is expected to chair the meeting, having held separate discussions with Thai and Cambodian leaders over the past week.

He said global leaders, including US President Donald Trump and representatives from China, have urged both parties to seek a peaceful resolution. – Bernama