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Cambodia and Thailand reach ceasefire to end deadly border conflict

Yesterday 17:25

By: Dakir Madiha

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Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, marking a critical step toward resolving a violent border conflict that has escalated in recent weeks. The ceasefire, announced at peace negotiations in Malaysia on Monday, will take effect at midnight local time. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who oversaw the talks as ASEAN’s regional chairman, described the agreement as “a vital first step to de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security.”

Following the announcement, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s interim Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai shook hands, signaling their commitment to the agreement. Hun Manet emphasized the need to rebuild trust, stating, “This is the time to start providing opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people on both sides to return to normalcy.”

High-stakes negotiations in Malaysia

The ceasefire was achieved after intensive negotiations co-organized by Malaysia and the United States. The talks were attended by ASEAN officials, ambassadors, and delegations from China and the U.S., with U.S. President Donald Trump playing a prominent role. Trump had previously threatened to halt trade negotiations with both nations if a resolution was not reached. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the U.S.’s involvement, saying, “We’re on the ground in Malaysia to assist with peace efforts and hope for an immediate resolution.”

Despite the agreement, skepticism remains. Rob McBride, reporting from Putrajaya, noted that while the ceasefire is a positive development, “there is still some distrust between the parties.”

A violent chapter in the decades-long conflict

The recent escalation is one of the most violent periods in the decades-long border dispute between the two Southeast Asian nations. The conflict, rooted in disputes over territories along the 817-kilometer border, intensified in May following a skirmish that left a soldier dead. Tensions escalated further in June when Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra resigned amidst domestic protests.

Heavy artillery exchanges and military buildups on both sides of the border led to widespread destruction and displacement. Over the past five days alone, approximately 270,000 people have been evacuated from their homes—139,000 from Thailand and 130,000 from Cambodia. Shops, schools, and hospitals near the border were forced to shut down as violence surged.

Humanitarian crisis and accusations

Both governments have accused each other of launching unprovoked attacks and committing human rights violations. The conflict has claimed at least 35 lives in recent days, leaving a trail of devastation and deepening the humanitarian crisis.

Despite the ceasefire agreement, sporadic fighting and evacuations continued across the region. Observers have noted that rebuilding trust and ensuring compliance with the ceasefire will be vital to preventing future outbreaks of violence.

Future steps

As the ceasefire takes effect, attention will turn to longer-term peacebuilding measures under the guidance of ASEAN and international mediators. Both nations will face significant challenges in addressing the root causes of the conflict, resettling displaced populations, and restoring stability along their shared border.