BANGKOK – Diplomatic efforts to halt deadly border clashes advanced as Thailand and Cambodia agreed to hold a meeting this Wednesday to negotiate a potential ceasefire. The development followed a special ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur, where differing demands initially stalled an immediate truce.

U.S. Hopes for Thai-Cambodian Ceasefire by Early Next Week, Says Rubio

During the meeting, Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn called for an immediate ceasefire to take effect by midnight. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow rejected the proposal, insisting on a more detailed and mutually agreed plan. “A ceasefire agreement cannot be achieved through a unilateral declaration. It must involve negotiations and mutual agreement between the military forces of both sides,” Sihasak stated.

He emphasized that Thailand seeks a sustainable ceasefire backed by a firm Cambodian commitment and a clear implementation plan, including joint demining operations. In response, Cambodia proposed convening a General Border Committee (GBC) meeting on December 24 to outline verification measures and concrete steps to ensure compliance.

🇹🇭 🇰🇭 Southeast Asian foreign ministers met in Malaysia Monday to try to restore a ceasefire between #Thailand and #Cambodia after two weeks of fierce fighting that has killed at least 60 people and displaced more than half a million. pic.twitter.com/t1AlpABf5D

— FRANCE 24 English (@France24_en) December 22, 2025

Sihasak confirmed that Wednesday’s meeting would mark the beginning of efforts to return to the terms of a previous joint statement made in Kuala Lumpur. The location for the talks remains undecided.

Thailand maintains three conditions for a ceasefire: Cambodia must announce the truce first and acknowledge it initiated the aggression; the ceasefire must be implemented sustainably; and both sides must cooperate on demining. According to reports, when Cambodia pushed for the ceasefire to start by midnight, Thailand demanded the request be submitted in writing.

Cambodian Artillery Shells Hit Thai Homes in Border Clashes, Soldier Killed

The ASEAN meeting, convened by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, concluded without an official agreement. Foreign ministers subsequently entered a tripartite discussion with Malaysian counterpart Mohamad Hasan to determine the next steps toward de-escalation.

-Thailand News (TN)