Cambodian and Thai Leaders to Meet for Talks to End Deadliest Border Conflict in Decades

Cambodian premier Hun Manet and Thai acting prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai are set to meet on Monday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to discuss an end to the latest border conflict between the two Southeast Asian countries. The conflict, which began on July 24, has resulted in the deaths of at least 35 people and displaced over 200,000 people. US secretary of state Marco Rubio is also expected to participate in the talks, alongside Chinese delegates.

Key Takeaways:

• At least 35 people have been killed and over 200,000 displaced in the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand since July 24.
• US secretary of state Marco Rubio is participating in the talks, along with Chinese delegates, to assist in securing peace.
• Cambodian premier Hun Manet confirmed his participation in the meeting, which will be hosted by Malaysia and co-organized by the US and China.
• The conflict began after a landmine explosion wounded Thai soldiers and gunshots were fired, with each side blaming the other for starting the clashes.
• The 817km frontier between Thailand and Cambodia has been disputed for decades, but previous confrontations have been limited and brief.
• Thai military spokesperson confirmed that cluster munitions could be used "when necessary" after Cambodia claimed the internationally prohibited weapons were being deployed by the neighboring country.

Statistics:

• At least 35 people have been killed in the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand since July 24.
• Over 200,000 people have been displaced in the conflict.
• The 817km frontier between Thailand and Cambodia has been disputed for decades.
• Cluster munitions could be used "when necessary" by the Thai military, according to a spokesperson.

Sources:

• "Thai, Cambodian Leaders to Meet in Malaysia to Discuss Ending Deadly Border Conflict." Reuters news agency, July 30, 2023.