• Source:JND
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Thailand-Cambodia border clashes:  Fierce clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces have continued for a fifth consecutive day along the two countries’ disputed border, even as leaders from both nations arrived in Malaysia on Monday for high-stakes ceasefire talks. The negotiations, hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, are being co-organised by the United States with China’s participation, raising hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough.

The recent hostilities are the worst conflict between Thailand and Cambodia in over a decade, after one Cambodian soldier was killed in a border clash in late May. The tensions have escalated since then, with more than 200,000 residents forced to flee border areas and at least 30 killed, including 21 civilians. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the presence of State Department officials on the ground in Malaysia to aid the peace process. "We want this conflict to be over as soon as possible," Rubio said in a statement released Sunday night in Washington and Monday morning in Asia.

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Diplomatic Pressure Mounts

Malaysia, which is now chairing the ASEAN bloc, has spearheaded the mediation efforts. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim affirmed he would lead the talks, saying both governments had asked him to do so. "What matters now is a ceasefire immediately," Anwar told Malaysian state news agency Bernama. Anwar said negotiations would also look at more long-term solutions to prevent future clashes in the restive region. The border conflict has placed Thailand’s fragile coalition government under intense strain, with internal dissent rising amid accusations of mishandling the crisis. Meanwhile, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has insisted on international mediation from the outset, contrasting with Thailand’s earlier preference for bilateral talks.

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US President Donald Trump, speaking on Sunday, stated he had called for both sides to de-escalate tensions and indicated that subsequent trade agreements with Washington will be put in danger if the violence persists. In spite of the diplomatic efforts, Thai Army Deputy Spokesperson Colonel Richa Suksuwanon reported to journalists that fighting continued in various sites along the frontier as of Monday morning. Both sides have accused the other of opening new artillery bombardments into disputed territory overnight. The death toll has risen above 30, including more than 20 civilians, while authorities report that more than 200,000 people have been evacuated from border areas. Relief organizations are scaling up assistance to displaced individuals, with evacuation centers at full stretch.