The defence officials from Thailand and Cambodia have commenced talks on selecting a neutral observer to monitor the ceasefire in their disputed border region, where recent escalations took place.
The two Southeast Asian neighbours fought over a disputed region. The fighting between the two armies killed around 38 people and wounded hundreds, along with displacing 120,000 people. Both sides agreed to a ceasefire deal brokered by Malaysia and the United States after President Donald Trump confirmed he told the two to calm down tensions.
Meanwhile, the four-day meeting began on Monday in Malaysia, which holds the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Malaysia also helped broker the ceasefire along with the United States, after four days of deadly confrontations between the Thai and Cambodian armies on July 24.
Also Read: Thailand, Cambodia to hold peace talks in Malaysia
Yesterday’s official meeting, according to participating members, was focused on upholding the ceasefire and all ASEAN nations forming an independent and neutral team to monitor the situation. Thai and Cambodian officials are said to disagree on the conditions for maintaining the ceasefire and the handover of 18 Cambodian troops captured by Thai forces during the recent four-day phase of hostilities.
Defence minister-level talks are scheduled for the final days of the ASEAN talks, with representatives from China and the United States expected to attend the meeting. Both sides have accused each other of unprovoked firing and shelling, then violating the ceasefire. While progress on the upcoming talks remains unclear, the sides have so far upheld the ceasefire.
Also Read: Thai Army returns 2 captured soldiers to Cambodia after ceasefire
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