Amid ceasefire at border, Thailand-Cambodia military-level talks postponed
The Thailand and Cambodia militaries are yet to agree on the location for the talks, as the military commanders level talks were postponed, a Thai official was quoted as saying by Reuters. Thailand government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap told reporters that their administration would notify the United States and China, who took part in ceasefire negotiations on Monday, about the ceasefire violations by Cambodia.
The clashes between the two countries led to the killing of at least 33 people and more than 120,000 had to flee their homes which were situated near the border.
The Thai army has alleged that Cambodia launched attacks in several areas after the ceasefire, which was supposed to take effect at midnight. However, the Cambodia side has denied the allegations and said that there was no firing in any location, Associated Press reported.
Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet met in Malaysia on Monday and agreed to halt their deadliest conflict in over a decade. Both the leaders agreed to an 'immediate and unconditional ceasefire'.
The truce was announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, alongside his Thai and Cambodian counterparts. 'This is a vital first step to a de-escalation and a restoration of peace and security,' he said, while confirming that the hostilities between the two neighbours would cease by midnight.
Reports suggested that calm had returned along the border of Thailand and Cambodia but the Thai military spokesperson alleged that though Thailand ceased all the military activities in the region, Cambodian troops, however continued strikes after the ceasefire came into effect at midnight and the Thai army responded with defensive action.
Thailand's Major Gen. Vithai Laithomya, in a statement said, 'Such actions represent a deliberate violation of the ceasefire and a serious breach of trust.'
–with inputs from AP and Reuters
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