Tue Dec 23 17:22:16 UTC 2025: Summary:

Thailand rejected Cambodia’s request to move planned bilateral talks to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, citing security concerns. The talks aim to negotiate an end to deadly border clashes that have killed over 40 and displaced over 900,000. Thailand insists the meeting will proceed as planned in Chanthaburi province, guaranteeing its safety. Cambodia has yet to confirm its attendance. The conflict stems from a long-standing territorial dispute. Tensions remain high, with accusations of attacks on civilians from both sides. Former US President Donald Trump has previously claimed to have helped resolve the conflict, but the ceasefire brokered in July was short-lived.

News Article:

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

Bangkok, Thailand – December 23, 2025 – Hopes for a swift resolution to the escalating conflict between Thailand and Cambodia dimmed today after Thailand rejected a Cambodian request to hold bilateral talks in a neutral country. Cambodia sought to move the planned meeting, aimed at negotiating an end to deadly border clashes, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, citing security concerns amidst the ongoing fighting.

The conflict, reignited earlier this month, has resulted in over 40 deaths and the displacement of more than 900,000 people on both sides of the border. The clashes are rooted in a long-standing territorial dispute over the colonial-era demarcation of their 800-kilometer border.

Thai Defence Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri asserted that the meeting would proceed as scheduled in Chanthaburi province, Thailand, from December 24th to 27th, guaranteeing its safety. “We guarantee Chanthaburi is safe. This province is the original plan,” Kongsiri stated.

Cambodia has yet to confirm its participation following the rejection of its venue request. A Cambodian government spokesman said he had no updated information on the meeting venue.

Tensions remain high, with both sides accusing the other of instigating the recent fighting and targeting civilians. Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha requested the meeting be held in Kuala Lumpur “Due to the ongoing fighting along the border, this meeting should be held in a safe and neutral venue.”

The United States, China, and Malaysia previously brokered a ceasefire in July, but it proved short-lived. Former US President Donald Trump referred again to the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand as one of the eight wars he had “solved” around the world.“Thailand is starting to shape up. You know, they started with Cambodia, they started up again,” he told journalists in Florida.“But I think… we have that in pretty good shape, to have that stopped.”

The planned talks represent a critical opportunity to de-escalate the conflict and prevent further loss of life. However, the disagreement over the meeting venue underscores the deep-seated mistrust and animosity between the two nations, casting doubt on the prospects for a lasting resolution.

Read More