Leaders of Thailand and Cambodia will meet on July 28 in Malaysia for talks on de-escalating the conflict, which has already claimed over 30 lives and caused the evacuation of more than 200,000 people. This is reported by UNN with reference to StraitsTimes.
The talks are scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM local time on July 28. The Thai negotiating team will be led by acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai
The statement said that Malaysia, which chairs the regional grouping ASEAN, informed the Thai government that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will also participate in the talks.
Addition
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated after the death of a Cambodian soldier in May during a border clash. Both sides have reinforced troops amid a diplomatic crisis that threatens the stability of the Thai government. The fighting, which resumed on Thursday, has been the most serious in a decade. More than 30 people have died, including 21 civilians, and over 200,000 people have been forced to leave their homes.
Disputed territories along the 817 km border, as well as ownership of the ancient temples of Ta Moan Thom and Preah Vihear, remain key causes of the conflict. Cambodia has appealed to the International Court of Justice to resolve the dispute, while Thailand prefers bilateral negotiations.
Recall
Earlier, UNN wrote that heavy rains temporarily halted hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia on their shared border, although both sides maintain their positions.