Cambodia and Thailand agree to ceasefire after deadly border clashes
- Following days of deadly border clashes, Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to a ceasefire starting at midnight local time.
- The agreement was facilitated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim amid ongoing violence that resulted in numerous casualties and displacements.
- The ceasefire reflects a desire for peace, although tensions remain as both countries acknowledge their mutual blame for the conflict.
On July 28, 2025, Cambodia and Thailand reached an agreement for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, following a series of deadly clashes along their disputed border. The ceasefire will take effect at midnight local time, which corresponds to 12 p.m. ET. The escalation of tensions between the two countries resulted in at least 35 deaths and over 200 injuries, causing significant humanitarian repercussions with more than 139,000 people displaced in Thailand and at least 80,000 in Cambodia. The agreement was mediated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who facilitated peace talks as part of his role within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai met at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Putrajaya, Malaysia, where they conducted the negotiations. Despite the ceasefire, both leaders admitted that fighting continued in the hours leading up to their discussions, highlighting the fragile nature of the agreement. The longstanding border dispute, which has presented challenges over decades, intensified in recent weeks following incidents that included a landmine explosion injuring five Thai soldiers. These developments led Thailand to downgrade diplomatic relations. Both sides have accused each other of initiating the violence, underscoring the complex and often contentious relationship between the nations despite historical ties. The United States and China also played roles in the ceasefire negotiations, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announcing that American officials were on the ground to assist. U.S. President Donald Trump indicated previously that discussions for trade agreements would not proceed if hostilities continued, asserting pressure for a resolution. As part of the ceasefire framework, a Cambodian-Thai General Boundary Committee is set to convene its initial meeting on August 4 in Cambodia. Malaysia will also send a team to oversee the implementation and observation of the ceasefire, ensuring that both parties adhere to the terms of the agreement and foster improved communication at all levels of government between the two nations.