Fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border intensified Sunday ahead of ceasefire talks in Malaysia, as artillery attacks entered their fourth day, leaving at least 35 people dead and over 218,000 displaced.
The conflict stems from a disputed 500-mile border, with tensions escalating after a Thai soldier allegedly shot a Cambodian digging trenches. Cambodia claims Thailand is ignoring a previous ruling awarding it the Preah Vihear temple.
Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will lead the peace talks, following calls from U.S. President Trump.
“Thai forces have used artillery, drones and aircraft…,” said Cambodian spokeswoman Mali Socheata. “Our forces continue to fight back actively and without retreat.”
Phumtham stated, “The soldiers will continue to do their job… until the government has reached a clear agreement.”
Trump posted, “Ceasefire, Peace, and Prosperity seem to be a natural.”
Hun Manet affirmed, “Cambodia agreed with the proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.”
Despite talks, shelling continued hours after Trump’s intervention.
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