Thailand-Cambodia peace talks on Monday in Malaysia. But fighting continues

The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia will meet tomorrow, Monday 28 July, in Malaysia for ceasefire talks. This was announced by the Bangkok authorities. The meetings will be attended by the acting Prime Minister of Thailand, Phumtham Wechayachai, and the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet. The Thai Prime Minister's Office said the talks will be hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister and Asean President Anwar Ibrahim.

But the fighting, now in its fourth consecutive day despite signs of openness to dialogue and mediation by US President Donald Trump, continues. The death toll has risen to at least 33 dead and over 200,000 displaced, in what is the bloodiest escalation between the two countries in years, centred around two disputed ancient temples along the northern border.

New artillery clashes were reported in the morning, with both sides accusing each other of starting the hostilities. According to Phnom Penh, the attack was initiated by the Thais at around 4.50 a.m., while Bangkok claims that Cambodian forces opened fire half an hour earlier. The shots also reached civilian areas in the Thai province of Surin, according to Bangkok's Foreign Ministry, which accused Cambodia of 'serious violations of humanitarian law'.

After a telephone conversation with Trump, both prime ministers - Hun Manet for Cambodia and Phumtham Wechayachai for Thailand - said they were ready to start ceasefire and peace talks. However, tensions remain high on the ground and neither side seems willing to take a step back. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire, while cross accusations of war crimes continue, with Cambodia denouncing the use of cluster munitions and Thailand complaining of attacks on hospitals and civilian infrastructure.