Thailand-Cambodia Border War Explodes: Leaders Rush to Malaysia for Emergency Peace Talks!
A deadly clash kills 34, displaces 168,000, as Trump pressures for a ceasefire amid escalating violence.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have reached a boiling point as their leaders prepare to meet in Malaysia on Monday to negotiate an end to a deadly border dispute that has claimed 34 lives and displaced over 168,000 people in just four days. The urgent talks, hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in his role as ASEAN chair, follow intense pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to halt trade agreements with both nations unless hostilities cease.
The conflict erupted on Thursday after a landmine explosion injured five Thai soldiers, sparking heavy artillery exchanges, rocket attacks, and troop incursions along the contested 800-kilometer border. Both sides trade blame, with Thailand accusing Cambodian forces of shelling civilian homes and targeting the historic Ta Muen Thom temple, while Cambodia claims Thai tanks and troops launched a "large-scale incursion." Thailand reported 21 deaths, mostly civilians, and Cambodia confirmed 13 fatalities. Over 131,000 Thais and 37,000 Cambodians have fled to shelters, leaving border villages deserted.
Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet have agreed in principle to a ceasefire, with Cambodia pushing for an "immediate and unconditional" halt to hostilities. However, Thailand insists on "sincere intentions" from Cambodia, citing alleged violations of humanitarian law. Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting continued Sunday, with both sides reporting renewed shelling and military maneuvers.
Also Read: Trump Sparks Ceasefire Talks Amid Thai-Cambodia Border Clashes
Evacuees like Pichayut Surasit, a Thai technician who rushed from Bangkok to protect his family, and Bualee Chanduang, a vendor sheltering with her pet rabbit, are desperate for peace. “I pray both sides can talk and end this war,” Bualee said from a Surin shelter housing 6,000 displaced residents. The UN Security Council and Human Rights Watch have urged ASEAN to mediate and condemned reported use of banned cluster munitions in populated areas.
As the leaders head to Malaysia, the region holds its breath, hoping for a resolution to a decades-old border dispute that has spiraled into one of the deadliest clashes in recent history.
Also Read: Thailand, Cambodia Clash in Deadly Border Showdown
