Cambodia and Thailand Agree to Unconditional Ceasefire After Deadly Border Clashes
In a major breakthrough following several days of escalating violence, Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. This agreement came late Monday night after intense diplomatic talks hosted by Malaysia, which currently chairs ASEAN. It’s been a tense five days, marked by deadly border clashes, evacuations of over a quarter of a million people, and a rapidly deteriorating relationship between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.
The conflict started after a mine exploded along the contested border last Thursday, injuring Thai soldiers. The situation quickly spiraled, with both countries blaming each other for the aggression. Shelling and artillery fire were exchanged, and dozens of lives—both military and civilian—were lost on both sides. Thailand reported at least 23 deaths, while Cambodia confirmed 13, including senior officers. The clashes forced more than 138,000 Thais and 140,000 Cambodians to flee their homes.
This border dispute isn’t new. It dates back to colonial times and has flared up now and then, but rarely with such intensity. The area in question, especially around ancient temple sites, has long been a flashpoint. This time, nationalistic rhetoric and the expulsion of diplomats only added fuel to the fire.
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The ceasefire was announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after three hours of negotiations in Putrajaya with both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai interim Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Anwar called it a "vital first step" toward restoring peace. The agreement was reached under growing international pressure, including direct intervention by former U.S. President Donald Trump and strong appeals from China and France.
Even as the agreement was being announced, journalists on the ground near the border in Cambodia reported hearing artillery fire. Tensions remain, and both armies have acknowledged that skirmishes continued earlier that day. Each side accuses the other of bad faith and provoking further violence.
Still, leaders have expressed cautious optimism. Hun Manet welcomed the deal, calling it a chance to "return to normal" and restart bilateral talks. His Thai counterpart echoed that sentiment, though he stressed the importance of mutual sincerity.
For displaced civilians, the ceasefire brings hope. People like Soeung Chhivling, a market vendor in Cambodia, and Thai evacuees like Pichayut Surasit just want peace so they can return to their homes and rebuild their lives. In shelters near the border, families are praying that the worst is finally over.
Whether this truce holds will depend on trust and restraint—both of which have been in short supply. But for now, the guns are meant to fall silent, and that alone feels like a relief.
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