Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Ceasefire After Deadly Border Clashes
- Rahaman Hadisur
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff
H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia
A fragile ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia appeared to be holding on Tuesday, following several days of deadly clashes along their disputed border that left at least 38 people dead, most of them civilians, and displaced over 200,000 residents on both sides.
The breakthrough was reached on Monday during emergency negotiations in Malaysia, where Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai agreed to an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire.” The talks were mediated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The ceasefire agreement was announced after days of escalating violence that erupted last Thursday in the long-disputed border region near Thailand’s Trat province and Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey. The area, a flashpoint of historical tension between the two Southeast Asian neighbors, saw intense artillery exchanges and the deployment of heavy weaponry, including rocket launchers.
The ceasefire took effect at midnight local time on Monday. Despite accusations from Thailand that Cambodia violated the truce hours after it began, military leaders from both sides met on Tuesday and reaffirmed their commitment to the agreement.
According to Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, commanders from three Thai military units met their Cambodian counterparts and agreed to halt troop movements, ban attacks on civilians, and avoid reinforcements along the border.
“We are maintaining a complete ceasefire across the entire frontline,” said Winthai, despite initial reports of Cambodian troop activity. Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense denied any ceasefire violations, asserting that its forces remained on high alert but had ceased offensive operations.
The ceasefire was facilitated with support from ASEAN, the United States, and China. Notably, U.S. President Donald Trump had warned both governments over the weekend that he would suspend trade talks if the violence continued. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commended the ceasefire, urging both nations to uphold their commitments.
In his statement, Hun Manet acknowledged the international support, thanking Trump, the Chinese government, and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for their efforts in restoring peace. “This is an important step toward reducing tensions and restoring security for our people,” Hun Manet said.
Thailand’s acting prime minister echoed this sentiment: “Today’s outcome reflects Thailand’s desire for a peaceful resolution while continuing to protect our sovereignty,” Phumtham told reporters.
Both nations agreed to establish a Cambodian-Thai General Boundary Committee, which will convene its first meeting on August 4 in Cambodia. The committee is expected to focus on long standing territorial disputes and measures to prevent future escalation.
Malaysia has offered to deploy an observer team to help ensure compliance with the ceasefire and facilitate ongoing dialogue. Direct communication lines between prime ministers, foreign ministers, and defense officials will also be reestablished.
Thailand and Cambodia share an 800 kilometer border with a complex history. Much of the border was demarcated during the French colonial era and has been the source of periodic military clashes. Tensions intensified in recent months following the release of a leaked phone call between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen, sparking political uproar in Thailand.
The latest violence began after five Thai soldiers were injured by a landmine last week. Thailand subsequently downgraded diplomatic relations, and both nations exchanged heavy fire over several days.
At least 25 people were killed in Thailand, including 14 civilians, and more than 139,000 residents were displaced. Cambodia reported 13 deaths, including eight civilians, and at least 50 wounded in Oddar Meanchey province.
While the ceasefire has brought a sense of relief to war weary residents, both governments face mounting pressure to find a durable solution to the recurring border disputes. “I feel a big relief. No more heavy chest. It’s been quiet and peaceful now,” said Dr. Moun Nara, a Cambodian resident near the border. For now, the guns are silent but the road to lasting peace and mutual trust remains uncertain.
