Cambodian and Thai officials began four days of talks on Wednesday at a border checkpoint in Thailand’s Chanthaburi province. The talks aim to end deadly clashes between the two countries. Phnom Penh posted a photo showing both defense teams in a simple meeting room and said the talks had started to "ensure the cessation of hostilities," restore stability, and "facilitate a swift return to normalcy." This border conflict reignited in December, breaking a previous truce and killing over 40 people while displacing about a million. The talks, expected to last until Saturday, show hope for peace. Thai defense spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri told reporters Bangkok was "very hopeful that the meeting will have positive outcomes," but added success depends on Cambodia's sincerity. Thailand wants Cambodia to first declare a truce and help with demining the border. Despite ongoing cross-border fire, Cambodia’s interior ministry expressed optimism that Thailand will show sincerity in the ceasefire. The conflict started over colonial-era border lines and some ancient temple sites. Both sides blame each other for the fighting that began on December 7. A previous truce brokered by the US, China, and Malaysia after July clashes was short-lived.