Thailand–Cambodia Border Fighting Intensifies as Ceasefire Talks Begin in Malaysia

Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia intensified Monday just hours before high-level ceasefire talks in Malaysia, in what has become the most violent border conflict between the two Southeast Asian nations in over a decade.

The talks, hosted by Malaysia under the ASEAN regional bloc, aim to halt ongoing clashes that have killed at least 35 people and displaced more than 250,000. The United States and China are participating, with both pressing for an immediate halt to hostilities.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said the meeting was co-organised by the U.S. and initiated by President Donald Trump. “The purpose of this meeting is to achieve an immediate ‘ceasefire,’ initiated by President Donald Trump and agreed to by the Prime Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand,” Hun Manet posted on X before leaving for Kuala Lumpur.

Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed deep doubts about Cambodia’s sincerity, accusing Phnom Penh of violating international law and prolonging the violence. “We are not confident in Cambodia, their actions so far have reflected insincerity in solving the problem,” he told reporters. “Everybody wants to see peace. Nobody wants to see violence that affects civilians.”

Cambodia has strongly denied targeting civilians and accused Thailand of endangering innocent lives. It urged the international community to condemn Thailand’s actions and labeled them as aggression.

Heavy gunfire was reported Monday morning in Samrong, Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province, as fighting continued even as diplomats gathered.

The conflict flared on July 24 after a landmine explosion wounded five Thai soldiers. Both sides blame each other for starting the fighting, which prompted Thailand to shut all border crossings except for those allowing Cambodian migrant workers to return. Both countries also recalled their ambassadors.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Washington’s direct involvement. “President Trump believes both leaders want to resolve this. Our officials are actively supporting the peace effort,” he said. Trump earlier warned that trade deals with either country could be frozen if fighting continues.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was asked to mediate by both countries, is chairing the negotiations. “What is important is an immediate ceasefire,” Anwar said, adding that both sides would present their terms for peace. “Although it's not as bad as many other countries, we have to put a stop to the violence.”