Defence officials from Thailand and Cambodia are set to hold ceasefire talks on Wednesday, December 24, as regional leaders urge both sides to de-escalate their border conflict.

The talks were confirmed after ASEAN foreign ministers met in Kuala Lumpur on Monday. In a chair’s statement, ASEAN welcomed discussions on resuming the ceasefire and ending hostilities. The bloc said the General Border Committee (GBC), a bilateral mechanism between the two countries, will meet to discuss the implementation and verification of the ceasefire.

ASEAN foreign ministers expressed hope for a swift de-escalation of tensions and raised serious concerns over continued fighting, which has caused casualties, damage to civilian infrastructure, and mass displacement on both sides of the border.

Recent clashes have killed at least 22 people in Thailand and 19 in Cambodia, according to officials. Cambodia said more than half a million people have been displaced in recent weeks.

ASEAN called on both countries to exercise maximum restraint, restore mutual trust, and ensure civilians can return safely to their homes and livelihoods.