Ceasefire Declared: Cambodia and Thailand Agree to End Border Clashes After Malaysian-Mediated Talks
PUTRAJAYA – After five consecutive days of deadly clashes that left at least 35 people dead and displaced over 200,000, Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. The agreement came after a special peace summit chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya on 28 July.
In a joint statement read by Anwar, both governments confirmed their shared commitment to reducing hostilities and pledged to work towards long-term peace through diplomatic means. The ceasefire, which officially begins at midnight, is seen as a significant breakthrough in the decades-long territorial dispute that has repeatedly flared into violence.
“This ceasefire is a critical step toward the restoration of peace and stability in the region,” said Anwar, who played a central role in mediating the emergency discussions. “We hope this marks the beginning of a durable resolution to the conflict.”
Tensions Ease After Five Days of Artillery Fire
The border tensions, centred around a disputed zone filled with ancient temples and rubber plantations, erupted into violence last week, reigniting nationalist fervour on both sides. Artillery fire, rocket attacks, and gunfire were reported in multiple zones along the jungle-clad frontier.
As of now, Thai authorities have reported 22 fatalities—comprising eight soldiers and 14 civilians—while Cambodia confirmed the deaths of five soldiers and eight civilians. More than 138,000 Thais and around 80,000 Cambodians have fled their homes due to the fighting.
The recent violence is the worst since skirmishes from 2008 to 2011, which also centred around historical claims linked to colonial-era boundaries. Ahead of the ceasefire agreement, clashes were still reported near Samraong in Cambodia, where up to 10 explosions per minute were heard, adding urgency to the peace talks.
Regional and Global Pressure Spurs Agreement
International stakeholders, including the United States and China, played a behind-the-scenes role in pushing both Southeast Asian nations toward a truce. US President Donald Trump reportedly intervened directly, warning both nations of punitive tariffs if they failed to reach a peaceful settlement.
The talks in Putrajaya saw the participation of acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, alongside representatives from ASEAN member states. Both leaders publicly committed to the peace process, though underlying tensions remain.
While Mr Hun Manet praised the talks as “very positive,” he also noted the importance of allowing hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians to resume their daily lives. Mr Phumtham, though cautiously optimistic, urged Cambodia to “prove its sincerity” in upholding the ceasefire terms.
Moving Forward: Military Talks and ASEAN Involvement
Following the midnight ceasefire, senior military leaders from both countries are expected to meet informally to prevent further escalation. ASEAN defence attachés may convene soon after, pending agreement from both sides, to lay the groundwork for a more permanent resolution.
In Thailand, where the clashes coincide with King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s birthday, public celebrations have been cancelled in light of the national emergency. Meanwhile, authorities have urged citizens to avoid acts of retaliation against Cambodian migrants, cautioning against any escalation of xenophobic sentiments.
The situation remains fragile, but the ceasefire signals a much-needed pause in the violence and a renewed opportunity for diplomacy to take root. As regional stability hangs in the balance, the international community will be closely watching whether this truce leads to genuine and lasting peace.