Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to hold emergency talks this Wednesday following a series of violent border clashes that have claimed 53 civilian lives.
The announcement was made by Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow during an ASEAN meeting in Malaysia. Tensions remain at a breaking point, with Cambodia accusing Thailand of using F-16 jets and "toxic gas," while Thai media reports heavy weapons fire from Cambodian forces damaging homes in Sa Kaeo province.
ASEAN and China have both intervened, urging "maximum restraint" and a return to dialogue. China has dispatched special envoy Deng Xijun to facilitate reconciliation. A major sticking point remains the presence of landmines;
Thailand alleges new mines are being planted—confirmed by ASEAN observers—after a Thai marine was seriously injured on Sunday. Cambodia maintains the explosives are remnants of past conflicts.
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