Ceasefire talks between Cambodia and Thailand were underway in Malaysia on Monday after days of deadly clashes on their disputed border sent civilians scrambling for safety and relations between the two neighbors cratering.

First came a push from the Malaysian premier, then China reached out, but it was only after U.S. President Donald Trump called Thailand's leader last week that Bangkok agreed to talks with Cambodia to end an escalating military conflict.

Thailand’s acting defence minister Natthapon Nakpanich is slated to attend the GBC meeting, which Cambodia has proposed to host on Aug 4. Surasan said sufficient time should be given for comprehensive discussions and suggested that the meeting be held from Aug 4 to 7.