Thailand and Cambodia have reached an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” after five days of deadly border fighting that claimed at least 33 lives and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes.
The ceasefire, announced at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim—joined by the Thai and Cambodian leaders—will take effect at midnight. “This is a vital first step toward de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security,” Anwar said.
While Thailand initially rejected Malaysia’s offer to mediate, the situation shifted after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to halt tariff negotiations until the violence stopped.
Tensions had been simmering since May following the death of a Cambodian soldier in a skirmish linked to a century-old border dispute. The conflict escalated when a Thai soldier lost a leg in a landmine blast, prompting Thailand to shut several border crossings, expel Cambodia’s ambassador, and recall its own envoy.
Both nations imposed trade restrictions, with Thailand limiting cross-border travel and Cambodia banning imports of Thai products including fruit, electricity, and internet services. Cambodian media reported that hundreds of thousands of workers had returned from Thailand amid growing uncertainty.
Fighting intensified last Thursday as both sides exchanged gunfire and blamed one another for provoking the clashes. According to Thai military sources, many of Thailand’s casualties were civilians caught in rocket fire. Cambodia reported 13 deaths on its side, including eight civilians.
Despite ongoing shelling during Monday’s peace talks in Kuala Lumpur, the two countries agreed to begin pulling back their reinforced troops and allow independent monitors—coordinated by ASEAN member states—to help enforce the truce and prevent further violence.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called the meeting “very productive” and said he hoped the agreement would lead to an immediate end to the bloodshed. Cambodia had been calling for a ceasefire since Friday, as its forces—less equipped than Thailand’s—had been pushed back.
Thailand’s acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, spoke briefly at the summit, promising that his country would fully honor the ceasefire terms.
