Thailand and Cambodia have reached an immediate and unconditional ceasefire after five days of intense border clashes that have displaced hundreds of thousands and claimed dozens of lives. The announcement was made in Malaysia, where Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim mediated talks attended by Cambodia’s Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai. Under the agreement, fighting will cease at midnight local time, marking a rare de‑escalation in a long‑standing territorial dispute along their 500‑mile shared border.
The clashes erupted following a landmine explosion that wounded Thai soldiers and quickly escalated into exchanges of heavy weaponry, including drones and airstrikes, resulting in at least 35–36 deaths mostly civilians and the displacement of some 260,000 to 300,000 people from both sides. Each country blamed the other for initiating hostilities, stoking long-simmering tensions rooted in disputed temple sites and recent diplomatic incidents.
International pressure, including calls from U.S. President Donald Trump warning of trade consequences and attendance by U.S. and Chinese envoys at the talks, helped catalyze the agreement. Anwar described the ceasefire as a “vital first step” toward restoring security and pledged deployment of observers to monitor compliance. Military commanders from both sides are scheduled to meet Tuesday, with a broader border committee session set for August 4, aiming to cement implementation mechanisms.
Leaders expressed cautious hope. Hun Manet talked of rebuilding trust, while Phumtham emphasised Thailand’s commitment to peace and protecting sovereignty. Local residents, many of whom fled their homes, welcomed the news but said they would only return once they saw tangible peace on the ground.
