Tue Dec 23 17:22:16 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article based on it:

Summary:

Tensions remain high between Thailand and Cambodia as deadly border clashes continue. Cambodia requested bilateral talks in a neutral country (Malaysia) due to security concerns, but Thailand rejected the request, insisting the meeting be held as planned in Thailand’s Chanthaburi province. Both sides blame each other for instigating the recent fighting, which has resulted in numerous casualties and displacement. The conflict stems from a long-standing territorial dispute over their border and temple ruins. A previously brokered truce fell apart, and despite international attention, the situation remains volatile. The US President Donald Trump claimed to have solved the conflict, but fighting continues.

News Article:

Thailand Rejects Neutral Venue for Border Talks Amid Continued Clashes with Cambodia

Bangkok, Thailand – December 23, 2025 – Thailand has rejected Cambodia’s request to hold bilateral talks in Malaysia, a neutral country, casting doubt on a planned meeting aimed at ending the escalating border conflict. The dispute, reignited this month, has already claimed the lives of over 40 people and displaced hundreds of thousands.

Cambodia’s request, citing security concerns due to ongoing fighting, was met with resistance from Thailand, which insisted that the meeting proceed as planned in Chanthaburi province, Thailand, from Wednesday, December 24th.

“We guarantee Chanthaburi is safe,” stated Thai Defence Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri, emphasizing the province was always intended to host the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting.

The conflict stems from a decades-old territorial dispute concerning the demarcation of the 800-kilometer border and the location of ancient temple ruins. Both sides accuse the other of initiating the recent wave of violence, which has included shelling of civilian areas and accusations of attacks on civilians.

Efforts to broker a lasting truce have so far failed, despite previous interventions from the United States, China, and Malaysia. US President Donald Trump has claimed to have resolved the conflict but fighting continues.

The situation remains tense, with the Cambodian Defence Ministry alleging that Thai forces shelled the Cambodian border city of Poipet and bombed parts of Preah Vihear province on Tuesday. Thai officials have vowed to continue fighting as long as Cambodian forces do.

The upcoming meeting, if it proceeds, is seen as a crucial opportunity to de-escalate the conflict and address the underlying issues fueling the long-standing dispute. However, Cambodia’s participation remains uncertain following Thailand’s rejection of a neutral venue.

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