Overview
- Thailand said Cambodia agreed to GBC/JBC talks on Dec. 24 in Chanthaburi to work on a verifiable truce, with ASEAN’s chair statement welcoming a move toward resuming a ceasefire.
- Hours before and during the Kuala Lumpur meeting, both sides reported new cross‑border fire in Sa Kaeo and Banteay Meanchey, with Cambodia alleging Thai F‑16 strikes and “toxic gas” use and Thai media citing heavy weapons fire from Cambodia.
- Officials report at least 22 deaths in Thailand and 19 in Cambodia since Dec. 8, with more than 900,000 people displaced across both countries as artillery, drones and rockets continue to be used.
- Bangkok maintains any ceasefire must be evidenced by actions and has pressed for a Cambodian truce announcement and cooperation on border demining, while Phnom Penh reiterates a commitment to resolve disputes through peaceful means.
- Malaysia emphasized ASEAN’s role and said field observations and U.S. satellite monitoring would inform the process, as the U.S. and China pursue parallel diplomacy without a breakthrough and Washington is not party to the new talks.