Cambodian and Thai delegates started discussions spanning four days at a border post on Wednesday, aimed at brokering a cessation to the fatal fighting between the two neighbors, Cambodia stated.
The meeting in the Thai province of Chanthaburi province had been under threat after Phnom Penh demanded a switch to a neutral venue.
The Cambodian government, however, released a photograph of the two defence delegations in a modestly appointed meeting room and said the talks had commenced, aiming to “guarantee an end of hostilities”, re-establish order and “pave the way for a quick restoration to normalcy”.
Historical Frontier Tensions Resumed
The neighboring nations' long-standing border conflict reignited this month, shattering an prior cessation of hostilities, claiming the lives of more than 40 people and displacing around a million residents, authorities reported.
Discussions are anticipated to run until Saturday, and the Thai defence ministry spokesperson the spokesperson told reporters that Thailand was “quite optimistic that the session will have favorable results”.
“But he said its success rested on the other side's good faith in actions and rhetoric.”
Central Conditions and Confidence
Thailand has previously demanded that the Cambodian authorities announce a truce first and assist with demining efforts at the border.
Notwithstanding continued shelling across the frontier, the Cambodian Ministry of Interior said this week it was “confident that the government in Bangkok will show good faith” in enforcing a truce.
Origins of the Dispute
The dispute stems from a land claim conflict over the border lines drawn during colonial times of the two countries’ lengthy border and a handful of old religious structures located on the frontier.
Both parties has accused the opposite party for sparking the renewed fighting since 7 December and leveled claims of strikes against non-combatants after five days of clashes in July resulted in the deaths of scores of individuals.
The US, China and Malaysian authorities mediated a ceasefire to end that round of conflict, but the ceasefire was short-lived.
