Emergency talks between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai are underway in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 28.
Also attending the meeting are Edgard D. Kagan, United States Ambassador to Malaysia, and Ouyang Yujing, China’s Ambassador to Malaysia. The discussions are being mediated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and follow a proposal made by United States President Donald Trump on the night of July 26.
Despite the high-level diplomatic engagement in Malaysia, hostilities have continued on the ground. Thai armed forces reportedly launched heavy artillery fire into Cambodian territory up until approximately 3 p.m. local time on July 28.
Mali Sucheata, Deputy Secretary of State and spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, stated on the morning of July 28 that Thai forces had used a wide range of heavy weaponry, targeting multiple locations across the Cambodian side of the border. According to her, the attacks began shortly after 2 a.m. that same day.
She also claimed that Thai forces deployed chemical smoke against Cambodian troops, which she said constitutes a violation of international law.
The ongoing military confrontation along the Cambodian-Thai border adds urgency to the diplomatic efforts taking place in Kuala Lumpur. Observers say the outcome of these talks may prove critical in determining whether the violence will de-escalate or further intensify.
