Kuala Lumpur, December 22, 2025 — Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to hold talks on restoring a ceasefire as violent clashes along their disputed border enter a third consecutive week, Thailand’s foreign minister said on Monday.
The decision was taken during a special meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers in Kuala Lumpur, where regional leaders discussed ways to de-escalate the conflict. According to Thai officials, defense representatives from both countries are expected to meet on Wednesday under the framework of the existing General Border Committee.
Thailand has proposed hosting the meeting in Chanthaburi province, near the border, and emphasized the need for a “genuine ceasefire” backed by firm commitments and a clear implementation plan from Cambodia. Bangkok has also called for prioritizing landmine clearance in affected border areas.
Cambodia, however, has accused Thailand of carrying out further “armed aggression” and violating its sovereignty, vowing to defend its territory at all costs.
At least 80 people have been killed in the recent fighting, while more than half a million residents were initially displaced, many taking shelter in temporary camps where humanitarian assistance is being distributed. Gunfire and skirmishes have been reported across several points along the 817-kilometer-long border, stretching from forested areas near Laos to coastal provinces.
Diplomatic efforts by the United States and China have so far failed to produce a breakthrough. Thailand has stressed that the upcoming talks are a bilateral initiative and do not involve external mediators.
Both Bangkok and Phnom Penh have blamed each other for the collapse of a ceasefire agreed to earlier this year in Malaysia. Fresh fighting reportedly resumed on December 8, making this the first direct meeting between the two governments since hostilities reignited.
Opening the ASEAN meeting, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said the bloc must do everything necessary to preserve regional peace and stability, stressing that rebuilding trust and keeping dialogue alive are essential despite deep differences between the two neighbors.
