Thailand and Cambodia to Resume Ceasefire Talks Amid Deadly Border Clashes

Thailand and Cambodia are set to resume talks on Wednesday to negotiate a sustainable ceasefire along their border, following a recent spike in deadly clashes. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow emphasized that a previous ceasefire agreement in October lacked sufficient details to ensure its effectiveness, which led to the current violent situation. The two countries have been engaged in a bitter conflict over disputed territory along their shared border, resulting in over three dozen fatalities and more than half a million displaced people. The fighting escalated in December after a border skirmish, with both sides exchanging airstrikes and artillery fire. A general border committee meeting will take place on Wednesday to iron out the details of a lasting ceasefire. Sihasak stressed the importance of 'thrashing out the details' to ensure the ceasefire is effective and respected by both sides. The conflict has drawn international concern, with the US Department of State calling for an immediate end to hostilities and the withdrawal of heavy weapons. The US had initially promoted a ceasefire agreement in July, which was later formalized at an October regional summit in Malaysia. Thailand has accused Cambodia of laying new landmines along the border, which has been a particularly sensitive issue. The Thai navy claims to have discovered a large number of abandoned weapons and explosive ordnance in a Cambodian stronghold, suggesting 'deliberate planning and intentional use of anti-personnel landmines' against Thai troops. The Thai Foreign Ministry has vowed to send letters of protest to Cambodia and Zambia, the current chair of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, to pursue further action under the convention's mechanisms. Cambodia has yet to respond to the Thai claims.