South East Asian diplomats convened in Malaysia on Monday to address ongoing border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia. The meeting aimed to de-escalate hostilities that have resulted in at least 41 fatalities and displaced approximately one million individuals.
The diplomatic gathering sought to reactivate a ceasefire agreement previously established in July. This earlier agreement was brokered by Malaysia, in its capacity as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and US President Donald Trump.
This meeting marked the first direct engagement between officials from Thailand and Cambodia since renewed fighting commenced on December 8. Both nations have issued statements attributing responsibility for the recent outbreaks of conflict to the other party.
The historical origins of the border dispute date back over a century, stemming from the demarcation of national boundaries following the French occupation of Cambodia.