Thailand and Cambodia have declared an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire to end the recent deadly border clashes, as announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday. This decision was reached during a meeting he chaired as part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) initiative, marking a significant step towards restoring peace after five days of violence.
The ceasefire, effective midnight local time on Tuesday, was jointly affirmed by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Both leaders participated in what Anwar described as candid discussions aimed at rebuilding normalcy following the hostilities, which resulted in at least 35 fatalities and displaced over 260,000 individuals from their homes.
Anwar stated that this ceasefire represents a crucial first step towards de-escalation and lasting peace. He added that military officials from both nations will convene to further diminish tensions at the border. Additionally, foreign and defence ministers from Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand have been tasked with formulating a detailed monitoring mechanism to uphold the ceasefire.
Following the announcement, both Prime Ministers expressed optimism about restoring bilateral relations. Hun Manet expressed hope for the swift return of nearly 300,000 evacuated villagers and underscored the importance of rebuilding trust and cooperation between the two nations. In parallel, Phumtham highlighted that the agreement reflects Thailand’s commitment to seeking peaceful resolutions.
The recent clashes began last Thursday after a landmine explosion injured Thai soldiers, escalating a conflict that saw mutual blame and led to the recalling of ambassadors and the closure of border crossings, except for returning Cambodian migrant workers. The urgency for a ceasefire was emphasised by US President Donald Trump, who warned that ongoing conflicts could jeopardise trade agreements with both countries.
This violence is notably rare among ASEAN member states, a bloc that endorses non-violence and dialogue as fundamental principles. As evacuees from both nations hoped for a resolution, many expressed their desire to return home and resume peaceful lives. Reports from evacuation shelters revealed the distress of families who fled their homes amidst the fighting, yearning for the prompt restoration of stability and safety for their communities.
The ongoing tensions along the 800-kilometre Thailand-Cambodia border, historically contested, have been exacerbated by recent confrontations, particularly following a Cambodian soldier’s death in May, which strained diplomatic relations and stirred political unrest in Thailand. The latest ceasefire is viewed as an essential move to halt further violence and facilitate the safe return of displaced individuals.