Thailand and Cambodia Begin Talks to End Deadly Border Clashes After Venue Dispute

Thailand and Cambodia have initiated direct talks aimed at ending the recent deadly clashes along their shared border after a dispute erupted over the location of negotiations.

Officials from both countries began a multi-day meeting of defence and border committee representatives on 24 December 2025 at a checkpoint in Chanthaburi province, Thailand, despite earlier disagreements when Cambodia requested a neutral venue for the talks.

The discussions, expected to continue for several days, aim to negotiate a cessation of hostilities, restore stability, and work toward a return to normalcy after fighting reignited in early December.

The clashes are part of a long-standing territorial dispute over colonial-era border demarcations, during which both sides have accused each other of initiating attacks and violating ceasefires.

The conflict has escalated into one of the deadliest in recent years, with sustained exchanges of artillery, rockets, and air strikes, resulting in significant casualties and displacement.

Tens of thousands of civilians on both sides have been forced from their homes, and extensive property damage has been reported in border provinces.

Bangkok and Phnom Penh both stress the importance of sincerity in negotiations. Thai officials have said they are hopeful the talks will yield positive outcomes, while Cambodian authorities have emphasised the need for concrete actions to ensure a durable truce.

The border meeting represents a crucial diplomatic step amid ongoing calls from regional and international actors for de-escalation and peaceful resolution.

Sources: The Guardian, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, AFP, Reuters