Thailand and Cambodia announced an immediate ceasefire earlier today, following four days of deadly border clashes that killed at least 35 people and displaced over 200,000, with talks facilitated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur. The agreement came after both nations’ leaders, Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, met to address the conflict, which erupted on July 24 over a disputed border area near the Preah Vihear temple.
Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen endorsed the ceasefire, stating on his official X handle, “Cambodia welcomes the immediate ceasefire to protect lives and restore peace,” while Thailand’s Foreign Ministry emphasized “mutual commitment to dialogue” for a lasting resolution, as reported by Al Jazeera.
The ceasefire follows intense diplomatic pressure, including from U.S. President Donald Trump, who on July 26 claimed both sides agreed to talks after he threatened to withhold trade deals, per Reuters. Despite earlier accusations, Thailand alleging Cambodian drone surveillance and Cambodia claiming Thai soldiers violated border agreements, the Kuala Lumpur talks secured commitments to halt hostilities and establish a joint border monitoring mechanism.
The conflict, rooted in a century-old dispute over colonial-era maps, had escalated with artillery and airstrikes, prompting UN and ASEAN calls for peace. Both leaders expressed optimism, with Phumtham noting, “We aim for a sustainable peace,” as cited by The Guardian, while humanitarian aid now focuses on supporting displaced civilians in both nations.
