UPDATED
Thai, Cambodian leaders to hold talks in Malaysia after border clashes persist
Fresh artillery clashes erupted on Sunday near a long-contested region between Cambodia and Thailand that has been the scene of recent fighting in which at least 33 people have been killed. Leaders of both countries will meet in Malaysia on Monday for talks to end hostilities, said a Thai government spokesperson.
Issued on: 27/07/2025
Fresh artillery clashes erupted on Sunday near a long-contested region between Cambodia and Thailand that has been the scene of recent fighting in which at least 33 people have been killed. Leaders of both countries will meet in Malaysia on Monday for talks to end hostilities, said a Thai government spokesperson.
Issued on: 27/07/2025
By: FRANCE 24
Video by: Matthew HUNT
Video by: Matthew HUNT
Thai residents who fled homes following clashes between Thai and Cambodian soldiers rest at an evacuation center in Surin province, Thailand, Sunday, July 27, 2025. © Sakchai Lalit, AP
03:14
Thailand and Cambodia clashed for a fourth day Sunday, despite both sides saying they were ready to discuss a ceasefire after a late-night intervention by US President Donald Trump.
Leaders of both countries will meet in Malaysia for talks to end hostilities, a spokesperson for the Thai prime minister’s office said on Sunday.
Jirayu Huangsap said acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will attend Monday's talks in response to an invitation from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim “to discuss peace efforts in the region.”
The spokesperson also said Phumtham’s Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet will also attend the talks, though this was not immediately confirmed by the Cambodian side.
The neighbours, popular destinations for millions of foreign tourists, have been locked in their bloodiest conflict in years over the disputed border, with at least 33 people confirmed killed and more than 200,000 displaced.
Both said they were willing to start talks to end the fighting, after Trump spoke to the two prime ministers late on Saturday and said they had agreed to meet and “quickly work out” a ceasefire.
Read moreTrump says Thailand and Cambodia agree to immediate ceasefire talks
But fresh artillery clashes erupted on Sunday morning near two long-contested ancient temples in the frontier region between northern Cambodia and northeast Thailand that has seen the bulk of the fighting.
Cambodian defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata said Thai forces began attacking areas around the temples at 4:50 am.
The regular thump of artillery rattled windows in the Cambodian town of Samraong, around 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the frontline, AFP journalists said.
Thai Army Deputy Spokesman Ritcha Suksuwanon said Cambodian forces began firing artillery around 4:00 am as the two sides battled for control of strategic positions.
Ceasefire calls
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Sunday said his country “agreed with the proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the two armed forces”.
He said his Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn will talk to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to coordinate with the Thais, but warned Bangkok against reneging on any agreement.
After Trump’s call, Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said he had agreed in principle to enter a ceasefire and start talks “as soon as possible”.
While both sides have expressed a desire for talks to end the crisis, neither has so far been willing to back down. On Sunday, they again each blamed the other for undermining peace efforts.
The Thai foreign ministry also accused Cambodian forces of firing shells into civilian homes in Surin province.
“Any cessation of hostilities cannot be reached while Cambodia is severely lacking in good faith and repeatedly violating the basic principles of human rights and humanitarian law,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
From the Cambodian side, defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata issued a statement denying that they fired first.
The statement accused Thailand of “deliberate and coordinated acts of aggression”.
Read moreThailand and Cambodia clash: A border dispute fuelled by nationalism
A long-running border dispute erupted into combat this week with jets, tanks and ground troops battling in the rural border region, marked by a ridge of hills surrounded by wild jungle and agricultural land where locals farm rubber and rice.
Thailand says seven of its soldiers and 13 civilians have been killed, while Cambodia has confirmed eight civilian and five military deaths.
The conflict has forced more than 138,000 people to be evacuated from Thailand’s border regions, and 80,000 have been driven from their homes in Cambodia.
After an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting Friday in New York, Cambodia’s UN Ambassador Chhea Keo said his country wanted “an immediate ceasefire” and a peaceful resolution of the dispute.
UN chief Antonio Guterres urged both sides Saturday to “immediately agree to a ceasefire” and hold talks to find a lasting solution.
As well as blaming each other for starting the fight, Cambodia has also accused Thai forces of using cluster munitions, while Thailand accused Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure, including hospitals.
The fighting marks a dramatic escalation in a long-running dispute between the neighbours over their shared 800-kilometre border where dozens of kilometres are contested.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
03:14
Thailand and Cambodia clashed for a fourth day Sunday, despite both sides saying they were ready to discuss a ceasefire after a late-night intervention by US President Donald Trump.
Leaders of both countries will meet in Malaysia for talks to end hostilities, a spokesperson for the Thai prime minister’s office said on Sunday.
Jirayu Huangsap said acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will attend Monday's talks in response to an invitation from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim “to discuss peace efforts in the region.”
The spokesperson also said Phumtham’s Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet will also attend the talks, though this was not immediately confirmed by the Cambodian side.
The neighbours, popular destinations for millions of foreign tourists, have been locked in their bloodiest conflict in years over the disputed border, with at least 33 people confirmed killed and more than 200,000 displaced.
Both said they were willing to start talks to end the fighting, after Trump spoke to the two prime ministers late on Saturday and said they had agreed to meet and “quickly work out” a ceasefire.
Read moreTrump says Thailand and Cambodia agree to immediate ceasefire talks
But fresh artillery clashes erupted on Sunday morning near two long-contested ancient temples in the frontier region between northern Cambodia and northeast Thailand that has seen the bulk of the fighting.
Cambodian defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata said Thai forces began attacking areas around the temples at 4:50 am.
The regular thump of artillery rattled windows in the Cambodian town of Samraong, around 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the frontline, AFP journalists said.
Thai Army Deputy Spokesman Ritcha Suksuwanon said Cambodian forces began firing artillery around 4:00 am as the two sides battled for control of strategic positions.
Ceasefire calls
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Sunday said his country “agreed with the proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the two armed forces”.
He said his Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn will talk to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to coordinate with the Thais, but warned Bangkok against reneging on any agreement.
After Trump’s call, Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said he had agreed in principle to enter a ceasefire and start talks “as soon as possible”.
While both sides have expressed a desire for talks to end the crisis, neither has so far been willing to back down. On Sunday, they again each blamed the other for undermining peace efforts.
The Thai foreign ministry also accused Cambodian forces of firing shells into civilian homes in Surin province.
“Any cessation of hostilities cannot be reached while Cambodia is severely lacking in good faith and repeatedly violating the basic principles of human rights and humanitarian law,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
From the Cambodian side, defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata issued a statement denying that they fired first.
The statement accused Thailand of “deliberate and coordinated acts of aggression”.
Read moreThailand and Cambodia clash: A border dispute fuelled by nationalism
A long-running border dispute erupted into combat this week with jets, tanks and ground troops battling in the rural border region, marked by a ridge of hills surrounded by wild jungle and agricultural land where locals farm rubber and rice.
Thailand says seven of its soldiers and 13 civilians have been killed, while Cambodia has confirmed eight civilian and five military deaths.
The conflict has forced more than 138,000 people to be evacuated from Thailand’s border regions, and 80,000 have been driven from their homes in Cambodia.
After an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting Friday in New York, Cambodia’s UN Ambassador Chhea Keo said his country wanted “an immediate ceasefire” and a peaceful resolution of the dispute.
UN chief Antonio Guterres urged both sides Saturday to “immediately agree to a ceasefire” and hold talks to find a lasting solution.
As well as blaming each other for starting the fight, Cambodia has also accused Thai forces of using cluster munitions, while Thailand accused Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure, including hospitals.
The fighting marks a dramatic escalation in a long-running dispute between the neighbours over their shared 800-kilometre border where dozens of kilometres are contested.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
Surin (Thailand) (AFP) – Under the drumbeat of artillery fire near Thailand's border with Cambodia, farmer Samuan Niratpai refuses to abandon his buffalo herd -- stubbornly risking his life to tend his livestock.
Issued on: 27/07/2025
Farmer Samuan Niratpai refuses to evacuate from his village despite clashes on the Thai-Cambodia border © Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP
"At 5:00am every day, I hear the loud bangs and booms. Then I run into the woods for cover," the 53-year-old told AFP in the village of Baan Bu An Nong in Surin province, just 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the fraught frontier.
His family of five fled to the capital Bangkok on the first day of clashes on Thursday, but he remains behind with their flock of chickens, three dogs and 14 prized buffalo.
"How could I leave these buffaloes?" he asked, his eyes brimming with emotion.
"At 5:00am every day, I hear the loud bangs and booms. Then I run into the woods for cover," the 53-year-old told AFP in the village of Baan Bu An Nong in Surin province, just 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the fraught frontier.
His family of five fled to the capital Bangkok on the first day of clashes on Thursday, but he remains behind with their flock of chickens, three dogs and 14 prized buffalo.
"How could I leave these buffaloes?" he asked, his eyes brimming with emotion.
Samuan Niratpai's village has been designated a "red zone" for artillery strikes © Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP
"I'd be so worried about them. After the strikes I go and console them, telling them 'It's okay. We're together'."
Thailand and Cambodia's clashes have entered their fourth day after a festering dispute over sacred temples ignited into cross-border combat being waged with jets, tanks and group troops.
Peace talks between leaders are scheduled for Monday in Malaysia, the Thai government has said.
In the meantime, at least 34 people have been killed on both sides, mostly civilians, and more than 200,000 have fled their homes along the 800-kilometre border -- a rural area patched with rubber and rice farms.
But on both sides of the tree-clad ridge marking the boundary between the two countries there are many who refuse to evacuate.
"I'd be so worried about them. After the strikes I go and console them, telling them 'It's okay. We're together'."
Thailand and Cambodia's clashes have entered their fourth day after a festering dispute over sacred temples ignited into cross-border combat being waged with jets, tanks and group troops.
Peace talks between leaders are scheduled for Monday in Malaysia, the Thai government has said.
In the meantime, at least 34 people have been killed on both sides, mostly civilians, and more than 200,000 have fled their homes along the 800-kilometre border -- a rural area patched with rubber and rice farms.
But on both sides of the tree-clad ridge marking the boundary between the two countries there are many who refuse to evacuate.
Soeung Chhivling prepares food for customers at her restaurant in Samraong, around 20 kilometres from the border conflict zone © TANG CHHIN Sothy / AFP
As nearby blasts shake Cambodian restauranteur Soeung Chhivling's eaterie she continues to prepare a beef dish, declining to abandon the kitchen where she cooks for troops and medics mobilised to fight Thailand.
"I am also scared, but I want to cook so they have something to eat," said the 48-year-old, near a hospital where wounded civilians and troops are being treated.
"I have no plan to evacuate unless jets drop a lot of bombs," she told AFP in Samraong city, just 20 kilometres from the Thai frontier, where most homes and shops are already deserted.
'I'd rather die at home'
Back on the Thai side, Pranee Ra-ngabpai, a researcher on Thai-Cambodian border issues and a local resident, said many who have chosen to stay behind -- like her own father -- are men who hold traditional and stoic values.
As nearby blasts shake Cambodian restauranteur Soeung Chhivling's eaterie she continues to prepare a beef dish, declining to abandon the kitchen where she cooks for troops and medics mobilised to fight Thailand.
"I am also scared, but I want to cook so they have something to eat," said the 48-year-old, near a hospital where wounded civilians and troops are being treated.
"I have no plan to evacuate unless jets drop a lot of bombs," she told AFP in Samraong city, just 20 kilometres from the Thai frontier, where most homes and shops are already deserted.
'I'd rather die at home'
Back on the Thai side, Pranee Ra-ngabpai, a researcher on Thai-Cambodian border issues and a local resident, said many who have chosen to stay behind -- like her own father -- are men who hold traditional and stoic values.
Farmer and village co-leader Keng Pitonam refuses to evacuate from his village despite ongoing clashes © Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP
"He is still there in the house right now and refuses to leave," Pranee said. "There's this mindset: 'If I die, I'd rather die at home' or 'I can't leave my cows'."
Baan Bu An Nong has been designated a "red zone" -- meaning it is high risk for air strikes, artillery barrages and even gun battles between ground troops.
But village co-leader Keng Pitonam, 55, is also reluctant to depart. Loading grass onto his three-wheeled cart to feed his livestock, he is now responsible for dozens of neighbours' animals as well as their homes.
"I have to stay -- it's my duty," Keng told AFP.
"I'm not afraid. I can't abandon my responsibilities," he said.
"If someone like me -- a leader -- leaves the village, what would that say? I have to be here to serve the community, no matter what happens."
"He is still there in the house right now and refuses to leave," Pranee said. "There's this mindset: 'If I die, I'd rather die at home' or 'I can't leave my cows'."
Baan Bu An Nong has been designated a "red zone" -- meaning it is high risk for air strikes, artillery barrages and even gun battles between ground troops.
But village co-leader Keng Pitonam, 55, is also reluctant to depart. Loading grass onto his three-wheeled cart to feed his livestock, he is now responsible for dozens of neighbours' animals as well as their homes.
"I have to stay -- it's my duty," Keng told AFP.
"I'm not afraid. I can't abandon my responsibilities," he said.
"If someone like me -- a leader -- leaves the village, what would that say? I have to be here to serve the community, no matter what happens."
Keng Pitonam is now responsible for dozens of neighbours' animals as well as their homes © Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP
His local temple has become a makeshift donation and rescue hub, parked with ambulances inside its perimeter.
"I have to stay -- to be a spiritual anchor for those who remain," said the abbot, declining to give his name. "Whatever happens, happens."
Huddled in a bunker just 10 kilometres from the border, Sutian Phiewchan spoke to AFP by phone, pausing as his words were interrupted by the crackle of gunfire.
He remained behind to fulfil his obligations as a volunteer for the local civil defence force, activated to protect the roughly 40 people still staying there.
"Everyone here is afraid and losing sleep," the 49-year-old said.
"We're doing this without pay. But it's about protecting the lives and property of the people in our village."
burs-jts/dhw
© 2025 AFP
His local temple has become a makeshift donation and rescue hub, parked with ambulances inside its perimeter.
"I have to stay -- to be a spiritual anchor for those who remain," said the abbot, declining to give his name. "Whatever happens, happens."
Huddled in a bunker just 10 kilometres from the border, Sutian Phiewchan spoke to AFP by phone, pausing as his words were interrupted by the crackle of gunfire.
He remained behind to fulfil his obligations as a volunteer for the local civil defence force, activated to protect the roughly 40 people still staying there.
"Everyone here is afraid and losing sleep," the 49-year-old said.
"We're doing this without pay. But it's about protecting the lives and property of the people in our village."
burs-jts/dhw
© 2025 AFP
Thai-Cambodian border conflict: 200,000 thousand people displaced
Issued on: 27/07/2025 - FRANCE24
Thailand and Cambodia clashed for a fourth day Sunday, despite both sides saying they were ready to discuss a ceasefire after a late-night intervention by US President Donald Trump. The Southeast Asian neighbours, popular destinations for millions of foreign tourists, have been locked in their bloodiest conflict in years over their disputed border, with at least 34 people confirmed killed and more than 200,000 displaced. Story by Caroline Baum.
Issued on: 27/07/2025 - FRANCE24
Thailand and Cambodia clashed for a fourth day Sunday, despite both sides saying they were ready to discuss a ceasefire after a late-night intervention by US President Donald Trump. The Southeast Asian neighbours, popular destinations for millions of foreign tourists, have been locked in their bloodiest conflict in years over their disputed border, with at least 34 people confirmed killed and more than 200,000 displaced. Story by Caroline Baum.
Video by: Caroline BAUM
Thai-Cambodian border clashes continue despite Trump's ceasefire call
Issued on: 27/07/2025 - FRANCE24
Artillery fire along the Thai-Cambodia border continued for a fourth day on Sunday despite calls for a ceasefire from US President Donald Trump. France 24's correspondent in Bangkok Matt Hunt provides some background to the conflict.
Video by: Matthew HUNT
Issued on: 27/07/2025 - FRANCE24
Artillery fire along the Thai-Cambodia border continued for a fourth day on Sunday despite calls for a ceasefire from US President Donald Trump. France 24's correspondent in Bangkok Matt Hunt provides some background to the conflict.
Video by: Matthew HUNT
Thai-Cambodian border clashes: Trump threatens to withhold trade deals until ceasefire
Issued on: 27/07/2025 -
Thai and Cambodian leaders will meet in Malaysia for talks to end hostilities, a spokesperson for the Thai prime minister’s office said on Sunday. This comes following pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to end a deadly border dispute, now in its fourth day, which has killed at least 34 people and displaced more than 168,000. Details by FRANCE24 correspondent in Si Saket, Tommy Walker
Issued on: 27/07/2025 -
Thai and Cambodian leaders will meet in Malaysia for talks to end hostilities, a spokesperson for the Thai prime minister’s office said on Sunday. This comes following pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to end a deadly border dispute, now in its fourth day, which has killed at least 34 people and displaced more than 168,000. Details by FRANCE24 correspondent in Si Saket, Tommy Walker
.
No comments:
Post a Comment