Thailand and Cambodia are set to hold ceasefire negotiations in Malaysia, marking a significant step toward de-escalating a deadly border conflict that began on July 24, 2025. The clashes, centered around disputed border areas including the Preah Vihear temple, have resulted in at least 33 deaths, including soldiers and civilians, and over 200 injuries across both nations. Thailand reports 20 deaths, with 13 civilians and 7 soldiers killed, alongside 29 injured soldiers and 30 injured civilians. Cambodia confirms 13 deaths, including 8 civilians and 5 soldiers, with 50 additional injuries reported. The conflict has displaced approximately 218,000 people, with 138,000 evacuees in Thailand and 80,000 in Cambodia, leading to the establishment of over 300 evacuation centers. Fighting, which involved heavy artillery and airstrikes, spread to 12 locations along the 800-kilometer border, with Thailand deploying F-16 jets and Cambodia responding with BM-21 rockets. The escalation followed a landmine incident on July 23 that injured five Thai soldiers, prompting Thailand to recall its ambassador and expel Cambodia’s envoy. Both countries blame each other for initiating the violence, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure, including a hospital and a petrol station, while Cambodia claims Thailand used cluster munitions. On July 27, US President Donald Trump announced that both nations agreed to meet following his calls with their leaders, linking the ceasefire to future trade talks and threatening a 36% tariff on their exports if hostilities persist. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, chair of ASEAN, facilitated the talks, with delegations led by Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet expected to attend. The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting on July 25, urging de-escalation, while China expressed concern and offered to mediate. Despite ongoing artillery exchanges, the scheduled talks signal a potential resolution to the four-day conflict.
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