Thailand rejected Cambodia’s request on Tuesday to hold negotiations on neutral ground to resolve a border dispute between the two countries. Instead, Thailand insists the next round of talks must occur on its own soil.

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The refusal was delivered by Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.

He asserted that all discussions “will take place within the framework of the existing Joint Border Commission,” a bilateral body that traditionally rotates its meeting locations between the two nations. Since Cambodia hosted the most recent session, Thailand claims it is now its turn.

Thailand has proposed the border province of Chanthaburi as the venue. Thai Defense Minister Nataphon Narakvanit defended the choice, stating the area “is currently witnessing almost no fighting.”

However, Cambodia opposes this location. In a letter seen by  French news agency AFP, Cambodian Defense Minister Tee Siha contended that Malaysia had already agreed to host both parties in Kuala Lumpur, advocating for a neutral setting.

#FromTheSouth News Bits | On the Asian continent, the confrontation between Cambodia and Thailand continues amid accusations by both countries of inciting a new wave of attacks. pic.twitter.com/FLyL49XCyY

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) December 19, 2025

The procedural dispute unfolds against a backdrop of recent deadly conflict. The first major wave of violence erupted in July, leading to over 43 fatalities and displacing approximately 300,000 people within five days before a fragile ceasefire was established. In late October, through U.S. mediation, both sides signed a ceasefire agreement in Kuala Lumpur. However, Thailand suspended the pact weeks later following a landmine explosion that injured several Thai soldiers.

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