Cambodia and Thailand’s leaders have agreed to a ceasefire starting at midnight on Monday, following a five-day intense conflict that has displaced over 300,000 individuals and marked their deadliest clash in over ten years. The agreement came after extensive efforts by Malaysia, the ASEAN regional bloc chair, the United States, and China to facilitate negotiations between the two nations. The ceasefire aims to end hostilities, restore direct communication, and establish a mechanism for implementing the truce. The recent fighting has resulted in the deaths of at least 36 people, predominantly civilians.
During discussions lasting over two hours at the Malaysian Prime Minister’s official residence in Putrajaya, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, alongside the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia, expressed readiness to deploy a monitoring team to oversee and ensure compliance with the ceasefire. This move was described as a crucial initial step towards de-escalation and the reinstatement of peace and security, emphasizing a shared commitment to peace among all parties involved.
The ongoing conflict stems from a long-standing border dispute between the Southeast Asian neighbors, escalating following the death of a Cambodian soldier in late May, which triggered a military buildup on both sides. The situation evolved into a full-blown diplomatic crisis, pushing Thailand’s fragile coalition government to the brink of collapse. Accusations of initiating hostilities were exchanged, leading to the deployment of heavy artillery along various points of the 800-kilometer border and air raids by Thailand involving F-16 fighter jets.
U.S. President Donald Trump intervened by contacting both leaders over the weekend, threatening to halt trade agreements unless the fighting ceased. With both nations facing a significant 36% tariff on exports to the U.S., their primary export market, Trump’s involvement was crucial. Following the ceasefire announcement, Trump instructed his trade team to recommence negotiations with Thailand and Cambodia.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet appreciated the positive role played by his Thai counterpart Phumtham Wechayachai and expressed gratitude for Trump’s intervention and China’s constructive engagement. Both leaders affirmed an immediate cessation of hostilities, expressing optimism about rebuilding trust and moving towards peaceful bilateral discussions and de-escalation.
The White House attributed the ceasefire to Trump’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic intervention in resolving the conflict. Tensions escalated further when Thailand recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh and expelled the Cambodian envoy in response to alleged incidents involving landmines and military aggression.
The aftermath of the conflict has left border communities on both sides deeply affected. In Thailand’s Sisaket province, the impact of artillery fire from Cambodia was evident, with homes destroyed, streets deserted, and residents seeking shelter in evacuation centers. The ceasefire brings a glimmer of hope for these communities, many of whom yearn for the violence to end so they can return to their homes and rebuild their lives.