Reuters reported a local official stated Cambodia and Thailand today began negotiations regarding the potential reopening of the Khlong Luek border crossing, allowing Thai workers in Cambodia's Poipet city to return home.

Hundreds of Cambodian laborers in Thailand are also gathering near the border, seeking to leave. However, the official indicated the crossing is unlikely to reopen today.

Cambodian and Thai officials have not yet commented on the information.

Thai workers in Cambodia stranded at the Khlong Luek border crossing on 11/12. *Photo: Bangkok Post*

Border clashes between the two nations remain tense. Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense accused the Thai military this afternoon of firing at civilians in the O Phluok Damrey area of Pursat province, and deploying F-16 fighter jets to drop three bombs in the region.

By evening the same day, fighting there had subsided, but Cambodian forces on the front lines remained on high alert.

Thailand's Second Army Region stated its soldiers on 11/12 controlled part of the Chong An Ma area, destroyed a base at Sam Tae, and continued attacks elsewhere.

The force claimed to have killed 102 Cambodian soldiers and destroyed 6 tanks, one Grad rocket launcher, 64 drones, and an enemy anti-drone system since the conflict re-erupted on 7/12. The Thai military also confirmed 11 of its soldiers were killed and over 120 injured.

Cambodian officials have not commented on the information. Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense previously reported the fighting caused 11 civilian deaths and 74 injuries. Bangkok asserted it did not target civilian infrastructure in the neighboring nation.

Hundreds of thousands of residents in the border region between the two nations also had to evacuate.

Border provinces between Thailand and Cambodia. *Graphic: BBC*

US President Donald Trump on 10/12 expressed confidence in helping end the conflict, adding he would call the leaders of both nations today. In July, Trump prompted both sides to cease fighting by phoning Cambodian and Thai leaders, warning he would halt trade negotiations unless the two nations stopped the conflict.

However, Bangkok reacted more cautiously this time, asserting the conflict is an issue Thailand and Cambodia must resolve themselves. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated he would "explain and clarify" the situation if President Trump called.

Pham Giang (According to Khmer Times, Nation Thailand, Reuters)