Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an unconditional ceasefire starting at midnight, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced Monday, marking a major step toward ending five days of violent border clashes that have killed dozens and displaced tens of thousands. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai both praised the agreement and shook hands alongside Anwar at a press conference in Malaysia.
The conflict began last Thursday after a land mine explosion wounded five Thai soldiers, with both sides blaming each other for sparking the violence. At least 35 people have died, and over 260,000 have been displaced on both sides. Anwar said the ceasefire takes effect immediately and stressed that military commanders from both nations will meet on Tuesday to ease tensions. Cambodia will host a border committee meeting on Aug. 4, and Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand’s foreign and defense ministers are tasked with creating a detailed plan to enforce and monitor the ceasefire.
Hun Manet expressed hope that relations between the two countries will soon normalize so displaced villagers can return home. Phumtham described the ceasefire as a reflection of Thailand’s commitment to peace. The talks, held under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chairmanship of Malaysia, involved U.S. and Chinese participation, with both countries’ ambassadors attending. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, applauded the ceasefire, and former President Donald Trump took credit for helping facilitate the talks.
The violence was a rare military confrontation between ASEAN members, who usually emphasize peaceful dialogue. Both countries recalled their ambassadors, and Thailand closed most border crossings with Cambodia. The ceasefire has brought relief to evacuees on both sides, many of whom expressed hope and caution as they consider returning home. The disputed 800-kilometer border has seen tensions flare in recent years, but previous conflicts were typically brief. The recent fighting escalated after a Cambodian soldier was killed in May, creating a diplomatic rift and stirring political tensions in Thailand.