Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to an immediate ceasefire after deadly clashes killed more than 38 people and displaced hundreds of thousands.
The truce was reached during an overnight meeting between both countries’ leaders, facilitated by Malaysia.
It includes an “immediate and unconditional” end to armed violence, and plans for follow-up meetings to advance peace talks.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said his Government will “monitor and ensure compliance” with the deal.
Conflict
Thailand and Cambodia have a long history of border disputes, originating during the French colonial rule of Cambodia.
Disputes over ambiguous borders drawn by the French in the 1900s led to sporadic military conflicts between 2008 and 2011, with eventual UN intervention.
The 2008 conflict also stemmed from Cambodia’s application to have the Preah Vihear temple, an 11th-century site on its side of the border, added to the World Heritage List.
Recent clash
The latest border clashes began on 24 July. Both sides blamed each other for the deadly attacks.
Cambodia accused Thailand of launching a “deliberate, unprovoked, and unlawful” assault, claiming Thai forces targeted civilian infrastructure.
Thailand accused Cambodia of an “unprovoked act of aggression,” saying Cambodian troops had fired across the border in May and planted land mines in mid-July. It said Cambodian troops then carried out four subsequent attacks, targeting both military bases and civilian areas.
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Ceasefire talks
Following the announcement of a ceasefire, Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Department said talks had focused solely on the ceasefire, not on the border, emphasising the need to protect civilians near the conflict zone.
Cambodia echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of helping “hundreds of thousands” return to normal life.
Cambodian PM Hun Manet called the deal a “foundation for renewed bilateral dialogue.”
The U.S. and China were also involved in brokering the ceasefire, according to Cambodian authorities.
Over the weekend, the U.S. suspended trade deals with Cambodia and Thailand until violence ceased.
Following the ceasefire, U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated both nations on social media, saying that “by ending this war, we have saved thousands of lives.”
He confirmed the U.S. Trade Department will now resume negotiations with both countries.
Violence
Hours after the ceasefire, reports emerged of a mass shooting at a popular market in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital.
Police say five security guards and the suspected gunman are dead. According to international media, authorities are investigating “any possible links” to the recent border clashes.
Australia has upgraded its travel advice for Thailand to “exercise a high degree of caution,” and is urging citizens to “reconsider” travel near the Cambodian border.
