Thailand, Cambodia Arrange Diplomatic Border Visits After Clashes

Bangkok, Jul 31 (AP) – Thailand and Cambodia are arranging separate border visits for foreign diplomats to inspect the aftermath of their nearly weeklong clash. The violence, which persisted even after a ceasefire, seems to have lessened.

The truce, negotiated in Malaysia, was set to begin at midnight on Monday, yet it was swiftly challenged as both nations continued to accuse one another of violating the terms.

Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced plans to arrange a border visit for military attachés from foreign missions and media representatives on Friday to highlight the impact on the ground.

On the same day, Cambodia is also organizing a trip for foreign diplomats, following a similar excursion conducted on Wednesday with representatives from 13 countries, including the US and China.

Thailand's government spokesperson, Jirayu Houngsub, reported no new clashes overnight on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, tensions persist. Officials in Thailand's Surin province, a critical area in the conflict, advised evacuees not to return until they finish surveying for any remaining dangerous ammunition.

Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson, Maly Socheata, confirmed Thursday that Cambodia recovered the body of one of its soldiers from Thailand.

Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that military contact with Thai counterparts is underway to negotiate the return of approximately 20 soldiers captured by Thailand. “I hope that the Thai Army will return all our soldiers who are currently in the custody of the Thai Army to Cambodia as soon as possible,” he said.

Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sagniampongsa assured that Cambodian soldiers are well-cared for and would be repatriated once deemed non-threatening. Security officials will decide the timing of their release.

Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, agreed to an “unconditional” cessation of hostilities on Monday. The conflict has resulted in at least 41 deaths.

The recent fighting erupted after a land mine explosion near the border injured five Thai soldiers. The Malaysian Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, facilitated the peace talks under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He termed the ceasefire as a critical first step towards peace and security.

The truce was partly influenced by US pressure, as President Donald Trump warned of halting trade deals if the conflict persisted.

Despite the agreement, blame continues to circulate, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of launching new attacks post-ceasefire.

Cambodia's Major General Chan Sopheaktra asserted that their forces have adhered strictly to the ceasefire, while alleging two violations by Thai forces without providing details.

Historically, Cambodia and Thailand have faced conflicts over their 800-kilometre shared border.

Tension has been mounting since May after a Cambodian soldier was killed during a confrontation, sparking a diplomatic crisis and unsettling Thailand’s domestic politics. (AP) SKS NPK NPK

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