Thai media on 23/12 reported, citing an unnamed senior security official, that Cambodian representatives in the Joint Border Committee (GBC) had sent a letter to Thailand. The letter proposed relocating the upcoming negotiations to Kuala Lumpur, the city where the peace agreement between the two countries was signed in October. However, Thailand rejected this proposal, with Bangkok reiterating that negotiations must proceed through bilateral mechanisms.

A bridge in Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia, was damaged on 20/12 by Thai fighter jet bombing. Photo: AFP

Cambodia subsequently proposed moving the negotiation venue to Kuala Lumpur, citing security concerns. "Due to ongoing fighting along the border, this meeting should be held in a safe and neutral location", Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha wrote in a letter to his Thai counterpart, Nattaphon Narkphanit.

Following a special meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers in Kuala Lumpur on 22/12, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow announced that discussions regarding a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia would be held in Chanthaburi province on 24/12.

This month's renewed clashes have resulted in the deaths of at least 23 people in Thailand and 21 in Cambodia, while over 900,000 residents in both countries were evacuated. Forces from both sides continued to exchange fire in the disputed area this morning.

It is currently unclear whether the two sides have reached an agreement on the venue for the GBC meeting. Phnom Penh proposed that the GBC meeting focus on several key issues: an immediate cessation of all hostilities, and full respect for and implementation of the ceasefire agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur, as well as related agreements.

By Huyen Le (Nation Thailand, AFP)