Thai and Cambodian leaders head to Malaysia for peace talks
A hole in a wall is pictured at a damaged hospital, caused by Cambodia's shelling in Sisaket province, as Cambodia and Thailand each said the other had launched artillery attacks across contested border areas early on Sunday, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump said the leaders of both countries had agreed to work on a ceasefire, Thailand, July 27, 2025. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha
BANGKOK/PHNOM PENH - The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia were set to hold talks in Malaysia on Monday to reach a ceasefire in their deadly border dispute, with the United States saying its officials would be assisting in the peace process.
Thailand's government said it was attending talks arranged by Malaysia in its role as chair of the regional ASEAN bloc, while Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said the talks were co-organised by the United States with the participation of China.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said State Department officials were in Malaysia to assist peace efforts, after President Donald Trump had earlier said that he thought both leaders wanted to settle the conflict.
"We want this conflict to end as soon as possible," Rubio said in statement released late on Sunday in the U.S. and early Monday in Asia.
"State Department officials are on the ground in Malaysia to assist these peace efforts."
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have intensified since the killing in late May of a Cambodian soldier during a brief border skirmish. Border troops on both sides were reinforced amid a full-blown diplomatic crisis that brought Thailand's fragile coalition government to the brink of collapse.
Hostilities broke out last Thursday and have escalated into the worst fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours in more than a decade.
Top stories
Swipe. Select. Stay informed.
Singapore Not feasible for S'pore to avoid net‑zero; all options to cut energy emissions on table: Tan See Leng
Singapore With regional interest in nuclear energy rising, S'pore must build capabilities too: Tan See Leng
Singapore New Mandai North Crematorium, ash-scattering garden to open on Aug 15
Singapore Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole did not happen overnight: Experts
Singapore Sewage shaft failure linked to sinkhole; PUB calling safety time-out on similar works islandwide
Singapore Science Journals: Lessons from weird fish sold in Singapore's wet markets
World US and EU clinch deal with broad 15% tariffs on EU goods to avert trade war
Asia Displaced villagers at Thai-Cambodian border hope to go home as leaders set to meet for talks
The death toll has risen above 30, including more than 20 civilians, while authorities report that more than 200,000 people have been evacuated from border areas.
ANWAR TO CHAIR TALKS
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had proposed ceasefire talks soon after the border dispute erupted into conflict on Thursday, and China and the United States also offered to assist in negotiations.
Thailand had said it supported calls for a ceasefire in principle but wanted to negotiate bilaterally, while Cambodia had called for international involvement.
Anwar said he expected to chair the negotiations after being asked by representatives of the two governments to try to find a peace settlement, state media agency Bernama reported.
"So, I'm discussing the parameters, the conditions, but what is important is (an) immediate ceasefire," he said late on Sunday. REUTERS
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
9 minutes ago
- Straits Times
Truce between Cambodia and Thailand secured under Asean chair Malaysia, but can it hold?
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Deal reflects Asean's reliance on external pressure and proactive chairmanship rather than robust institutional mechanisms, say observers. (From left) Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai after a special meeting in Kuala Lumpur on July 28. SINGAPORE – Asean notched a diplomatic win on July 28, with chair Malaysia securing a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia after deadly border clashes left more than 30 dead and raised fears of further escalation. The breakthrough, announced after a special meeting in Kuala Lumpur hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, is victory for the grouping, whose relevance has been increasingly questioned amid inaction on other regional challenges. But observers say that whether this will translate into lasting peace remains far from certain. The conflict had simmered since May, with deadly clashes erupting since July 24 t hat killed over 30 people, mostly civilians. Just hours before the ceasefire took effect at midnight on July 29, diplomatic pressure intensified, led by Malaysia and strongly backed by both the United States and China. The t alks were hastened after US President Donald Trump warned on July 27 that Washington would not pursue trade deals with either side until the violence stopped. Both Thailand and Cambodia face the prospect of a 36 per cent US tariff from Aug 1. China also played an active role. Beijing on July 24 expressed concern over the fighting and pledged to promote dialogue, de-escalation and peace. Both the US and China were present at the July 28 meeting, which Malaysia said was co-organised by Washington, with Beijing's active participation. Analysts say the agreement reflects a successful case of Asean-led diplomacy, but also highlights the grouping's reliance on external pressure and proactive chairmanship rather than robust institutional mechanisms. Dr Mustafa Izzuddin, a senior international affairs analyst at business consultancy Solaris Strategies Singapore, said that the ceasefire can be billed an Asean success. 'Malaysia's leadership was crucial as the organisation's chair to mediate between Thailand and Cambodia, while also leveraging on the importance of China and the US, both dialogue partners of Asean, to further reaffirm that this ceasefire can be brought into fruition,' he said. Under the agreement, both sides committed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. The peace roadmap also includes informal meetings between military commanders, and a g eneral b order c ommittee session scheduled for Aug 4. Malaysia, in its capacity as Asean chair, offered to coordinate an observer team and consult fellow member states about participating, a move aimed at providing regional support for verification. But experts caution that implementation may prove difficult, given the grouping's lack of enforcement tools. 'A ceasefire is an immediate and very short-term solution. What is more important is for the ceasefire to hold in the long run while Cambodia and Thailand negotiate their border disputes,' said Dr Abdul Rahman Yaacob, a research fellow at the Lowy Institute think-tank. 'One possible mechanism is the deployment of Malaysia n or Asean observers along the Thai-Cambodia border. This is critical, given the strategic mistrust between (the two sides).' Observers note that Asean lacks a standing peacekeeping force or formal verification tools. Previous attempts to introduce monitoring mechanisms, such as Indonesia's proposal to send observers during the 2011 Preah Vihear clashes, were rejected, primarily over sovereignty concerns. That earlier conflict between Cambodia and Thailand also ended in a ceasefire, but tensions persisted for years. 'The biggest risks lie in lingering distrust and potential miscommunication along contested border areas, and the absence of any formal verification mechanism,' said Ms Joanne Lin, senior fellow at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. 'Asean does not have institutional tools like independent observers or peace monitors to oversee implementation on the ground.' These limitations raise broader questions about how Asean handles internal conflict. Some experts warn that without follow-up action, the grouping may revert to inaction once the immediate crisis fades. 'The outcome was driven largely by Malaysia's personal diplomacy and strong external pressure, rather than any institutional mechanism within Asean,' said Ms Lin, referring to the ceasefire. 'Without efforts to institutionalise these crisis response lessons, the group risks falling back into passivity.' Dr Rahman echoed this, saying the group has the capacity to maintain peace – if political will exists. But he added that an Asean-led ceasefire is more acceptable than one imposed by external powers, and said the grouping has provided its two conflicting members with a familiar platform to discuss a ceasefire and resolve the crisis. Others also framed the breakthrough as a significant win for Malaysia's diplomacy. Mr Adib Zalkapli, managing director of geopolitical consultancy Viewfinder Global Affairs, said that it showed how Malaysia can step up and play an important role in maintaining peace in the region. Domestically, the deal may also offer a brief political boost to Datuk Seri Anwar. 'Anwar of course scores some brownie points in brokering this peace that could potentially offset some of his domestic political troubles,' said Dr Oh Ei Sun, senior fellow at think-tank Singapore Institute of International Affairs. Still, observers agree the coming weeks will determine whether the ceasefire holds and whether Asean can rise to the challenge of sustaining peace. 'While holding the talks can be seen as a success, there will not be easy solutions to this long-standing issue,' said Dr Bridget Welsh, honorary research associate at the University of Nottingham Asia Research Institute Malaysia. For a group long criticised for its inaction on crises like Myanmar and the South China Sea, the truce offers a chance to prove its relevance and if it can maintain the momentum. 'The real test now lies in verifying the ceasefire and whether Asean can follow through with implementing its own peace mechanisms,' said Ms Lin. The ceasefire, as much of a win as it is, is a fragile one because ground realities suggest that it could readily break down, said Dr Mustafa. 'So it is incumbent on the political leaderships of both Cambodia and Thailand to maintain the ceasefire by not succumbing to domestic political pressures, and on Malaysia as the honest broker to remind both countries about their bilateral obligations in keeping the peace,' he said.
Straits Times
39 minutes ago
- Straits Times
EU Commission discusses curbs on Israel research funding amid Gaza pressure
Find out what's new on ST website and app. FILE PHOTO: Palestinians gather at the site of an overnight Israeli air strike on a house, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, July 28, 2025. REUTERS/Ramadan Abed/File Photo BRUSSELS - European Commissioners will on Monday discuss a proposal to partially suspend Israel's access to the EU's Horizon research funding program following calls from EU governments to increase pressure on Israel over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Multiple EU countries said last week that Israel was not living up to its commitments under an agreement with the European Union on increasing aid supplies to Gaza and asked the Commission to put concrete options on the table. The proposal was mentioned in a published agenda of Monday's meeting of the College of Commissioners, the top decision-making body of the European Union's executive. But the Commission has not explained it in detail. EU and Israeli officials had no immediate comment on the proposal. Israel has been participating in the EU's research programs since 1996, taking part in thousands of joint research projects over the past decades. Earlier this month, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Israel had agreed to expand humanitarian access to Gaza, including increasing the number of aid trucks, crossing points and routes to distribution hubs. But in a tense meeting of European ambassadors in Brussels last week, countries including France, the Netherlands and Spain said not enough was being done, according to diplomats. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Thailand, Cambodia agree to 'immediate and unconditional ceasefire' to de-escalate border row Asia Gunman kills 5 near Bangkok's Chatuchak market before taking own life Singapore Tanjong Katong sinkhole: BCA to conduct independent probe, act against any non-compliance Singapore Foreign workers who rescued woman from sinkhole given tokens of appreciation Singapore COE quota up 2.6% to 18,701 for August-October period Business SIA's first-quarter profits fall by 59%; airline group sees volatile times ahead Singapore Ong Beng Seng set to plead guilty on Aug 4 in case linked to ex-transport minister Iswaran Singapore Jail for former pre-school teacher who tripped toddler repeatedly, causing child to bleed from nose Earlier this month, EU officials presented a list of options that the bloc could pursue to put pressure on Israel but the bloc has so far refrained from pursuing any of them. Israel on Sunday announced a halt in military operations for 10 hours a day in parts of Gaza and new aid corridors, while Jordan and the United Arab Emirates have airdropped supplies into the enclave. But officials and aid groups remain concerned and say much more needs to be done to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. REUTERS
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
US senator wants Musk to block use of Starlink by financial fraud groups in Southeast Asia
Find out what's new on ST website and app. U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) speaks during an event at NHTI Concord Community College in Concord, New Hampshire, U.S., October 22, 2024. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/File Photo WASHINGTON - A Democratic senator on Monday urged SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to block transnational criminal groups in Southeast Asia from using Starlink satellite internet service to commit fraud against Americans. Senator Maggie Hassan cited recent reports that Starlink is being used to facilitate fraud against Americans by a broad range of transnational criminal organizations operating "scam compounds" in Southeast Asia. The U.S. Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network said these groups defrauded Americans out of billions of dollars, she added. "Scam networks in Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, however, have apparently continued to use Starlink despite service rules permitting SpaceX to terminate access for fraudulent activity," Hassan wrote in a letter to Musk seen by Reuters. "SpaceX has a responsibility to block criminals from using the service to target Americans." SpaceX did not immediately respond to a request for comment. For years, criminal networks have trafficked hundreds of thousands of people to scam compounds across Southeast Asia, including many along the Thai-Myanmar border, where victims are forced to work in illegal online schemes, according to the United Nations. "While most people have probably noticed the increasing number of scam texts, calls, and emails they're receiving, they may not know that transnational criminals halfway across the world may be perpetrating these scams by using Starlink internet access," Hassan wrote. Since February, Thailand has halted electricity, internet, and fuel supplies to five Myanmar border areas, including Myawaddy, in a bid to disrupt the scam centers, which have become an escalating regional security concern. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Thailand, Cambodia agree to 'immediate and unconditional ceasefire' to de-escalate border row Asia Gunman kills 5 near Bangkok's Chatuchak market before taking own life Singapore Tanjong Katong sinkhole: BCA to conduct independent probe, act against any non-compliance Singapore Foreign workers who rescued woman from sinkhole given tokens of appreciation Singapore COE quota up 2.6% to 18,701 for August-October period Business SIA's first-quarter profits fall by 59%; airline group sees volatile times ahead Singapore Ong Beng Seng set to plead guilty on Aug 4 in case linked to ex-transport minister Iswaran Singapore Jail for former pre-school teacher who tripped toddler repeatedly, causing child to bleed from nose International pressure to shut down the scam centers intensified following the abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was kidnapped after arriving in Thailand in January. He was later rescued by Thai police, who located him across the border in Myanmar. Criminal networks, mainly emanating from China, are known to run several of these scam centers, including those in the Myawaddy region, according to the United States Institute of Peace. REUTERS
