Donald Trump has said he believes Thailand and Cambodia want to settle their differences, as the leaders of both countries prepare to meet in Malaysia for talks to end deadly clashes that are into their fifth day.
At least 35 people have been killed and more than 270,000 displaced by the worst fighting in over a decade between the neighbouring countries. Clashes continued early on Monday, just hours before negotiations were due to begin in Kuala Lumpur.
Trump said on Saturday that he had spoken to leaders of both countries, warning the US would not negotiate a trade deal with either side until the fighting stopped. Both Thailand and Cambodia face the prospect of a 36% US tariff from 1 August.
The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, said US state department officials were present in Malaysia to assist peace efforts. The Cambodian prime minister, Hun Manet, said the meeting had been “co-organized by the United States and with participation of China”.
China is a close ally of Cambodia and has previously expressed concern over the conflict, saying it will “promote talks for peace” and “play a constructive role in promoting deescalation”.
Malaysia is the current chair of the regional bloc, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and has also been calling for an end to the fighting.
Thailand and Cambodia have a long-running dispute over territory on their shared border, but fighting erupted on Thursday after Thai soldiers were injured in a landmine explosion. Both recalled their ambassadors, and Thailand closed its border crossings with Cambodia, downgrading diplomatic relations.
The two sides have traded blame for the clashes, which continued early on Monday.
“This is the fifth day that Thailand has invaded Cambodia’s territory with heavy weapons and with the deployment of a lot of troops to grab Cambodia’s land,” said Cambodia’s defence ministry spokesperson, Maly Socheata, ahead of the talks.
The Thai military said fighting had continued early on Monday, while Thailand’s acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, told reporters as he departed Bangkok airport: “We do not believe Cambodia is acting in good faith, based on their actions in addressing the issue.
“They need to demonstrate genuine intent, and we will assess that during the meeting,” he added.
In Thailand, 22 people have been killed, including 14 civilians, in fighting so far. Cambodia said 13 people had been killed, though it was unclear if that included Lt Gen Duong Samnieng, whose death in combat was announced on Sunday.
More than 139,000 people in Thailand have been evacuated from their homes, leaving border areas deserted, with shops, schools and hospitals shut. In Cambodia, more than 134,000 people have been displaced and moved to safer areas.
Phumtham said on Sunday that military operations would continue until an agreement had been reached. “The soldiers will continue to do their job at full steam – so Thais do not worry – until the government has reached a clear agreement that there is no danger for the people and ensure we maintain the country’s interests in order to bring the peace we want to see.”
Thailand has accused Cambodia of targeting civilian areas, including a hospital, while Cambodia has accused the Thai military of using cluster munitions.
The clashes have also prompted a cancellation of celebrations due to be held for Thailand’s king, Maha Vajiralongkorn, who marks his 73rd birthday on Monday.
The conflict has also led to a rise in nationalism in both countries, prompting Thai officials to warn its citizens to “refrain from any kind of violence, whether in speech or action”, against Cambodian migrants living in the country.
The dispute has been complicated by a feud between two senior political figures from either country – Hun Sen, the former leader of Cambodia and father of current prime minister Hun Manet, and Thaksin Shinawatra, former Thai leader and father of current prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Paetongtarn is currently suspended from office, after Hun Sen leaked a recording of a controversial phone call he had held with her. It is not clear why he leaked the call, but it caused outrage in Thailand and has underlined the extent of the falling out between the two families.
With Associated Press and Reuters
