PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA — In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following five days of intense border clashes that have claimed at least 35 lives and displaced more than 260,000 people.
The announcement was made on Monday by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who hosted the emergency talks as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The agreement, effective from midnight local time, came after a high-level meeting involving Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai in Putrajaya.
“This is a vital first step toward de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security,” Anwar said. He added that military commanders from both nations will meet on Tuesday to further ease tensions, while Cambodia will host a joint border committee meeting on August 4.
The border conflict began Thursday after a land mine explosion injured five Thai soldiers. Both countries accused each other of provoking the violence, which escalated rapidly, resulting in widespread civilian displacement on both sides of the border.
At the press conference, the two leaders shook hands in a symbolic show of unity. Hun Manet expressed hope that bilateral ties would soon normalize and that the 300,000 evacuees could return home. Phumtham described the agreement as a reflection of “Thailand’s desire for a peaceful resolution.”
International Pressure and Involvement
The ceasefire followed mounting international pressure, particularly from U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly warned both nations that ongoing hostilities could jeopardize trade negotiations with Washington. The United States and China were both co-organizers of the talks, with their ambassadors present during the two-hour-long meeting.
On Monday, Trump posted on Truth Social, “Just spoke to the acting prime minister of Thailand and prime minister of Cambodia. I have instructed my trade team to restart negotiations on trade.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed the ceasefire in a post on X, adding, “President Trump made this happen. Give him the Nobel Peace Prize!”
What’s Next?
While the ceasefire marks a major step forward, both sides acknowledged the need for sustained dialogue to prevent further escalation. ASEAN, along with the U.S. and China, is expected to continue monitoring the situation closely.
The upcoming August 4 border committee meeting in Cambodia will likely focus on long-standing territorial disputes and de-mining efforts, with hopes of establishing a long-term peace framework.
