A significant breakthrough in resolving five days of deadly border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia has been achieved with an unconditional ceasefire, announced by the Cambodian and Thai leaders on Monday in Malaysia. The agreement, brokered under US pressure, aims to restore peace and security following the deaths of at least 35 people and displacement of over 260,000 people.
The ceasefire, which began at midnight local time, was hailed as a vital first step towards de-escalation by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Direct pressure from US President Donald Trump, warning that trade deals might be impacted if hostilities continue, appears to have given both sides a face-saving justification for backing away from the fighting.
As part of the agreement, military commanders from both sides will hold talks on Tuesday to defuse tensions, while Cambodia will host a border committee meeting on August 4. The foreign and defense ministers of Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand will develop a detailed mechanism to implement and monitor the ceasefire to ensure sustained peace.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet hopes that bilateral ties can return to normal soon, allowing nearly 300,000 villagers evacuated from both sides to return home. Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed his desire for a peaceful resolution.
The agreement was reached after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers, prompting both sides to blame each other for starting the clashes. However, reports of artillery duels stopping shortly before the ceasefire came into effect suggest that the fighting has largely subsided.
Evacuees from both sides have welcomed the news, with some expressing relief and hope for returning home. “I’m happy about that, and feeling a bit relieved,” said Usa Dasri, a vendor and farmer. “We miss our home… I want to go home, so I’m happy.”
The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio applauded the ceasefire declaration, stating that the government is committed to an immediate cessation of violence and expects both countries to honor their commitments.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/28/thailand-and-cambodia-agree-to-ceasefire-00480939