Thailand, Cambodia agree to ‘unconditional’ ceasefire

International

THAILAND and Cambodia have agreed to an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire following five days of deadly clashes along their disputed border.

The announcement was made by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday, after urgent high-level talks in Putrajaya.

The ceasefire marks a crucial turning point in a conflict that has claimed at least 35 lives and forced more than 260,000 people from their homes. The recent violence erupted last Thursday when a land mine explosion injured five Thai soldiers, triggering blame and retaliatory attacks from both sides.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stood alongside Anwar, shaking hands and expressing hope for peace during a brief press conference, a repory by Associated Press said.

The two leaders affirmed their commitment to halt hostilities and return to normalcy, pledging to rebuild trust and cooperation between their nations.

“This is a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security,” said Prime Minister Anwar, who hosted the negotiations in his capacity as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

As part of the ceasefire agreement, military commanders from both nations will begin talks on Tuesday to prevent further tensions. Cambodia is set to host a border committee meeting on August 4, and the foreign and defense ministers of Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand have been tasked with developing a monitoring mechanism to ensure lasting peace.

Hun Manet expressed hope that relations between the two nations would soon stabilize, allowing some 300,000 displaced villagers to return home.

“It is time to start rebuilding trust, confidence, and cooperation,” he said.

Phumtham echoed the sentiment, describing the outcome as a reflection of Thailand’s desire for peaceful resolution.

The agreement also came amid international pressure.

U.S. President Donald Trump had warned that ongoing violence could jeopardize trade deals with both nations.

The joint statement confirmed the participation of both the U.S. and China in brokering the ceasefire, with their ambassadors present during the two-hour meeting.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted the news on X, saying: “President Trump made this happen. Give him the Nobel Peace Prize!”(Edmie Rocsan, UV Comm Intern)