Putrajaya, Malaysia – In a breakthrough to end the region’s most intense border violence in over a decade, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire, effective midnight Monday, following five days of deadly clashes that left at least 36 people dead and displaced more than 270,000 residents along the shared border.
The ceasefire was brokered during emergency peace talks held in Malaysia’s administrative capital, Putrajaya, hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet both agreed to halt hostilities, raising cautious hopes for a return to peace.
“This is a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security,” Anwar said, adding that a meeting between Thai and Cambodian military commanders is scheduled for Tuesday.
Roots of the Conflict
The latest fighting, which erupted on July 24, stems from long-standing disputes over colonial-era border demarcations, particularly around historical sites like the Prasat Ta Moan Thom temple. A February incident—when Thai police allegedly blocked Cambodian tourists from singing their national anthem at the site—fueled resentment. Tensions escalated further in May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed.
Since then, more than 138,000 Thai nationals have been evacuated from border provinces, while over 20,000 Cambodians have been displaced, according to officials on both sides.
Statements from Rival Leaders
In a joint press conference following the talks, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed optimism:
“We have a very good meeting and very good results … we hope to stop immediately the fighting that has caused many lives lost, injuries and displacement.”
Thailand’s acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai, who had earlier expressed doubts over Cambodia’s intentions, stated:
“Thailand has agreed to a ceasefire that will be carried out successfully in good faith by both sides.”
The three nations released a joint statement confirming that their defense ministries have been instructed to develop a ceasefire monitoring mechanism, including verification and reporting protocols. They also agreed to convene the General Border Committee on August 4 in Cambodia.
Ongoing Clashes Despite Agreement
Even as leaders met in Malaysia, sporadic fighting reportedly continued. Al Jazeera’s Tony Cheng, reporting from Thailand’s Surin province, noted:
“There are so many people who have been affected by this, and they just want to go home so badly.”
US and China’s Role in the Deal
The ceasefire negotiations also saw high-level international involvement. Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet confirmed the talks were “co-organised by the United States” with Chinese participation. Both powers have significant economic and political stakes in the region.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the truce, saying:
“The United States applauds the ceasefire declaration between Cambodia and Thailand.”
Former US President Donald Trump, in phone calls over the weekend with both leaders, reportedly pressured them by threatening to suspend trade deals unless the conflict was resolved.
“We’re not going to make a trade deal unless you settle the war,” Trump warned, citing potential 36% tariffs on both nations starting August 1.
Both Thai and Cambodian leaders acknowledged the roles played by Malaysia, the US, and China in facilitating the ceasefire.
What’s Next?
While the ceasefire offers a much-needed pause in hostilities, analysts caution that long-term peace will depend on resolving the underlying territorial disputes and implementing effective ceasefire monitoring mechanisms.
All eyes now turn to the upcoming military commanders’ meeting and the August 4 border committee session, which could shape the future of Thai-Cambodian relations.
SOURCE : AGENCIES VIA AL JAZEERA | Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |
