On the afternoon of December 22 in Malaysia, the ASEAN Special Foreign Ministers' Conference officially ended without making a joint statement on the end of the conflict.
Although expectations of a mediator role for the bloc are high, deep disagreements at the negotiation table have made efforts to establish an immediate ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia unable to come true.
Instead, the representatives of the two countries have moved to a closed-door tripartite meeting with host Malaysia to seek further steps.
According to sources from the scene, the main cause of the deadlock was due to harsh conditions from Bangkok.
During the meeting, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow resolutely requested Cambodia to meet three conditions: First, Phnom Penh must be the one to declare a ceasefire first and admit to being the one to initiate the aggressive action. Second, commitments must be realized to ensure sustainability. And third, the two sides must cooperate in destroying common bombs and mines at the border.
Meanwhile, the Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister requested a ceasefire that would take effect immediately at 00:00 on December 22 (early morning of December 23). However, Thailand has rejected this oral proposal and requested Cambodia to send an official request.
Major differences in diplomatic views have caused the official meeting to lack results.
Currently, the two foreign ministers are holding private talks with Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan. This is seen as the last effort on December 22 to save the situation and find a feasible route to reduce tensions in the border area.
