JAKARTA - Cambodia is seeking to hold military negotiations with Thailand in Malaysia as clashes along their shared border continue, while Thailand insists talks will take place on its territory.
Phnom Penh has asked that the upcoming meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) be held in Kuala Lumpur, citing security concerns related to the ongoing fighting, according to a letter sent by Cambodian Defense Minister General Tea Seiha.
In a letter addressed to Thai Defense Minister General Nattaphon Narkphanit, Cambodia reiterated its support for holding the GBC on Wednesday but argued that the venue should be moved outside the border area.
"For security reasons, due to the ongoing fighting along the border, this meeting must be held in a safe and neutral place. In this case, Malaysia has agreed to host it in Kuala Lumpur," General Tea Seiha said in his letter, which was reported on Tuesday, December 23.
Thailand rejected the proposal. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the GBC meeting would be held on Wednesday (24/12) in the province of Chanthaburi, Thailand, according to the Thai daily Khaosod.
The dispute over the location followed a special meeting of foreign ministers from the ASEAN bloc held in Kuala Lumpur on Monday (22/12) to discuss border disputes. Both parties had previously agreed in principle to hold GBC talks after the meeting.
The last GBC session was held in the province of Koh Kong, Cambodia in September.
Meanwhile, fighting along the border continues. The Thai army said on Tuesday (23/12) that clashes were underway in four provinces in Thailand's northeastern Isan region, with Thai forces carrying out what they called concentrated support fire against Cambodian forces, according to Khaosod.
However, the Cambodian Ministry of Defense said Thai troops continued to fire artillery shells into Cambodian territory, according to the Khmer Times.
The number of casualties reported by both parties differs. Thai authorities said 21 Thai soldiers and one civilian were killed in the fighting, adding that another 33 civilians were killed with what they called "collateral damage from the situation."
The Cambodian Ministry of the Interior said 21 Cambodian civilians were killed and 83 others were injured.
Separately, China urged its citizens to avoid travel to the border areas between Cambodia and Thailand, citing what it called "serious security situations," according to the Beijing-based Global Times.
"We urge the two parties involved in the conflict to ensure the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and companies," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian.
Beijing's warning followed reports of a Chinese national being injured in Cambodia on Monday (22/12) during ongoing clashes with Thailand.
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