Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia], December 23: Defence officials from Thailand and Cambodia agreed to meet on Wednesday to revive a collapsed ceasefire as deadly border fighting enter a third week.
The two neigbouring countries previously clashed in July. The violence ended with a ceasefire brokered by Malaysia, China and the United States, but the accord unraveled in early December after two Thai soldiers were wounded in a skirmish.
Since then, Thailand has launched airstrikes, while Cambodia has fired rockets in fighting along the 817-kilometre border, killing at least 80 people and displacing more than 900,000. Each side has blamed the other for starting the renewed fighting.
Thailand officials call for a 'true ceasefire'
On Monday, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) welcomed the fresh talks of the General Border Committee, a long-established mechanism for bilateral discussions.
"The ASEAN foreign ministers expressed hope for de-escalation of hostilities as soon as possible," ASEAN chair Malaysia said in a statement.
Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said his country wanted a "true ceasefire" with a detailed implementation plan and firm commitment from Cambodia.
Cambodia welcomed the regional efforts to sustain a truce and end hostilities.
"We remain optimistic that the Thai side will demonstrate sincerity in fully implementing the ceasefire in line with ASEAN's objectives," its interior ministry said in a statement.
Talks follow peace efforts by US, China, Malaysia
The previous ceasefire was pushed through under pressure from US President Donald Trump, who threatened to revoke trade privileges.
On Monday, Cambodia's defense ministry accused Thailand of violating its sovereignty with more "armed aggression" and vowed to defend its territory "at any cost."
Thailand's army said Cambodia launched intermittent artillery attacks and drone bombings, prompting Thai airstrikes and artillery on military positions.
The US Department of State on Sunday called on Thailand and Cambodia to "end hostilities, withdraw heavy weapons, cease emplacement of landmines, and fully implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, which include mechanisms to accelerate humanitarian de-mining and address border issues."
China has also pressed both sides to step back, with its special envoy for Asian affairs Deng Xijun holding talks in Bangkok and Phnom Penh in recent days.
The border dispute dates back to the 1950s, shortly after Cambodia gained independence from France. The competing claims initially centered on ownership of the ancient Hindu Preah Vihear temple before expanding to other border areas.
Source: Times of Oman
