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Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Immediate and Unconditional Ceasefire
On 28 July 2025, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, effectively halting five days of deadly border clashes. The announcement came after emergency mediation talks in Putrajaya, hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, acting as Chair of ASEAN.
The Conflict: What Triggered the Violence
Tensions escalated on 24 July following a landmine explosion that wounded Thai soldiers near a disputed temple on the 817 km shared border. A brief skirmish earlier in May where a Cambodian soldier was killed further hardened positions. Since then, both countries accused each other of launching rocket attacks, air strikes, and deploying artillery and tanks.
Over the subsequent five days, at least 35–38 people were killed, mostly civilians, and approximately 260,000–300,000 people were displaced.
Diplomacy in Action: ASEAN, US, and China
Mediation efforts were led by ASEAN through Malaysia, with diplomatic involvement from both China and the United States, who participated in the talks as observers and co-facilitators . U.S. President Donald Trump made ceasefire a condition for resuming trade negotiations, even threatening tariffs if the violence persisted. Following the agreement, Trump proudly proclaimed himself the “President of Peace” on social media.
Ceasefire Terms & Next Steps
• The ceasefire came into effect at midnight on 28–29 July (local time)
• Joint meetings for commanders will take place on 29 July at 07:00, involving Thailand’s Regional Military Commands 1 & 2 and Cambodia’s Commands 4 & 5. This will be followed by a session with defence attachés led by Malaysia’s ASEAN chair role.
• A General Border Committee meeting is scheduled for 4 August in Cambodia to resume broader bilateral dialogue.
• ASEAN will lead an observer team to monitor compliance. Foreign and defence ministers of the three countries are tasked to develop a detailed mechanism for implementation, verification, and reporting.
• Thailand and Cambodia aim to reopen direct communication channels between prime ministers, foreign ministers, and defence ministers.
Reactions & Caveats
• Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet welcomed the outcome, calling it a chance to “rebuild trust and confidence”
• Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai emphasised Thailand’s insistence on civilian safety and national sovereignty. He acknowledged the ceasefire as the start of de-escalation, but remained cautious about sustainability.
• Analysts warned the ceasefire remains fragile without a permanent border resolution. Questions linger about troop withdrawal, demarcation clarity, and landmine removal.
Context & Backdrop
This marks the deadliest border confrontation the two nations have experienced in over a decade. The conflict centers on long-standing territorial disputes, especially over the Preah Vihear and Ta Moan Thom temples. A 1962 ICJ decision gave Preah Vihear to Cambodia, but surrounding areas remain contentious—fueling recurring flare-ups since Thailand objected to subsequent UNESCO listings and territorial claims.
Domestic politics also played a role. In June 2025, a leaked phone call between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Cambodian strongman Hun Sen caused diplomatic strain and political backlash in Bangkok, highlighting the personal ties and rivalries behind the scenes.
Outlook: What Comes Next.
• Border residents may cautiously begin returning to their homes—but trust remains fragile.
• International observers and humanitarian groups are mobilizing to assist displaced communities with food, shelter, and medical aid.
• A lasting peace will require meaningful bilateral negotiations, demarcation agreements, landmine clearance, and mutually acceptable security measures.
• Whether this ceasefire holds depends on political will, external oversight, and preventive diplomatic engagement in the coming weeks.
The agreement represents a pivotal moment in ASEAN diplomacy—bringing several warring factions to the negotiating table under regional coordination. But forging a durable peace will require sustained effort, oversight, and genuine dialogue on the contested border’s roots.
Attached is news article regarding Thailand and Cambodia agree to immediate ceasefire
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c93dy4g436nt
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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