By Wilawan Watcharasakwet
BANGKOK, July 27 (Bernama) -- The Thai government has confirmed it will attend a regional peace consultation in Malaysia on Monday to discuss the escalating border conflict with Cambodia.
Government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap said Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as the current ASEAN Chair, has invited the Thai leadership to discuss the Thai-Cambodian conflict.
"Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will lead the Thai delegation, which includes Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Deputy Defence Minister General Natthaphon Nakpanich, and other senior officials, to attend the consultation at the Prime Minister's Office in Malaysia," he said in a statement on Sunday.
He added that it has also been confirmed that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will personally attend the consultation at the invitation of the ASEAN Chair.
Jirayu said the Thai delegation is scheduled to depart from the Royal Thai Air Force base at approximately 10.30 am, with the meeting set for 3 pm (Malaysian time).
"The purpose of these talks is to listen to proposals that may lead to informed decisions and ultimately restore peace. The Thai government remains steadfast in its commitment to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Thailand," he said.
On Friday, Anwar also held separate discussions with both the Thai and Cambodian leaders, urging them to agree to an immediate ceasefire.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who expressed deep concern over the clashes on Friday, likewise urged both sides to agree to an immediate ceasefire and resolve their differences through dialogue.
The border dispute between the two nations escalated on July 25, leading to armed clashes along Cambodia's northern border region.
The latest hostilities have reportedly resulted in over 20 fatalities on the Thai side.
At the same time, Cambodian authorities stated that five soldiers and eight civilians have been killed, with thousands displaced on both sides of the border.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have been rising since May 28, following a confrontation between soldiers near the disputed Preah Vihear border area, which led to the death of a Cambodian soldier.
The two Southeast Asian neighbours have long contested an 817-kilometre undemarcated stretch of their shared border, which has remained a persistent source of tension and diplomatic strain.
-- BERNAMA
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