Malaysia to mediate Thailand-Cambodia peace talks
Thailand and Cambodia's leaders will meet in Malaysia for peace talks on Monday, as the countries clashed for a fourth day in a deadly border dispute.
At least 34 people have been killed and more than 200,000 displaced as the countries, both popular tourist destinations, fight over a smattering of contested border temples.
Bangkok announced on Sunday that acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet will meet for talks mediated by Malaysian leader Anwar Ibrahim, who chairs the ASEAN regional bloc of which Thailand and Cambodia are members.
Anwar said the expected talks were to focus on an immediate ceasefire between the two fighting neighbours.
"They (government representatives of Cambodia and Thailand) have asked me to try and negotiate a peace settlement," the Bernama national news agency quoted Anwar as saying late Sunday.
"I'm discussing the parameters, the conditions, but what is important is (an) immediate ceasefire," the Malaysian premier said.
Cambodia has not commented on the planned talks, which are due to begin at 3:00 pm (0700 GMT).
US President Donald Trump, who spoke to both leaders late Saturday, said they had agreed to "quickly work out" a ceasefire.
Trump has threatened both nations with eye-watering levies in his global tariff blitz unless they agree to independent trade deals.
"When all is done, and Peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!" he wrote on social media.
Fresh artillery clashes erupted on Sunday morning near two long-contested ancient temples in the frontier region between northern Cambodia and northeast Thailand which has seen the bulk of the fighting.
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