Ceasefire Begins Between Thailand and Cambodia
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, announced by Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The deal aims to stop the deadly border conflict that has already killed over 35 people and forced more than 270,000 to flee their homes.
The ceasefire is set to begin at 17:00 GMT, following talks hosted in Putrajaya, Malaysia’s administrative capital. Both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai attended the high-level meeting.
According to Anwar, this development marks “a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security.” The ceasefire follows weeks of increasing tension and violence along the shared border.
Positive Outcomes After High-Level Talks
The Thailand and Cambodia ceasefire came after international involvement. Diplomats from the United States and China also attended the talks. Anwar noted that both U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leaders have been in regular contact with the concerned nations to support peace.
Hun Manet expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “We hope this agreement stops the fighting and rebuilds trust between our nations,” he said. Phumtham also affirmed that Thailand would follow the truce sincerely and in good faith.
A meeting between military commanders from both countries is expected the next day to coordinate on-ground actions and avoid further escalation.
Violence Lingers Despite Truce Announcement
However, even as the ceasefire was declared, reports of ongoing clashes emerged. Thai and Cambodian military units reportedly exchanged artillery fire just before the talks began.
Cambodian officials accused Thailand of launching rockets and smoke bombs near ancient temple sites, while Thailand alleged sniper activity and heavy shelling from Cambodian forces. These contested zones, including the Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai temples, remain flashpoints.
Despite these late incidents, the truce gives hope to thousands displaced by the fighting. “People just want to go home,” said a journalist reporting from Thailand’s Surin province.
