Defence officials from Cambodia and Thailand began initial discussions in Malaysia on Monday, ahead of a crucial high-level meeting set for Thursday, as a delicate ceasefire continues to hold one week after being agreed upon.

The truce was established following five days of violent clashes along the border, which included heavy artillery fire and airstrikes. The fighting, the most intense between the two nations in more than ten years, resulted in at least 43 deaths and displaced over 300,000 people on both sides.

The upcoming Thursday meeting will bring together the defence ministers from both countries for a session of the General Border Committee, where they are expected to discuss measures to maintain peace. Observers from the United States, China, and Malaysia are expected to attend.

Despite ongoing negotiations, tensions remain. Cambodia’s defense ministry has accused Thailand of breaching the ceasefire by deploying construction equipment and installing barbed wire in disputed territory. In response, Thai authorities stated that both sides have largely remained in place without major movements.

However, Thai military spokesperson Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri reported that Cambodian forces appear to be repositioning and reinforcing key locations to replace personnel lost during the conflict.

Cambodia has also called for the immediate return of 18 of its soldiers who were captured. Thai officials responded that the soldiers are being treated in accordance with the rules for prisoners of war and will be released once there is a full end to hostilities—not just a temporary truce.