By Rafiyat Sadiq
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following five days of deadly clashes along their shared border. The violence has claimed at least 33 lives and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes.
The ceasefire was announced Monday night in Kuala Lumpur by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who stood alongside Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Anwar described the agreement as a crucial step toward de-escalation and regional stability.
Malaysia led the diplomatic push for peace, backed by other ASEAN member states. Thailand initially rejected mediation but changed its stance after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to halt trade talks unless the hostilities stopped.
The conflict reignited in May after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a border skirmish tied to a long-standing territorial dispute. Tensions rose sharply last week when a Thai soldier lost a leg to a landmine, prompting Thailand to close several border crossings and expel the Cambodian ambassador. Cambodia responded by banning imports from Thailand, including fruit, electricity, and internet services.
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By Thursday, both sides had exchanged gunfire, each accusing the other of provoking the violence. Thai authorities reported civilian deaths from rocket attacks in border villages. Cambodia confirmed 13 deaths on its side, including eight civilians.
Despite ongoing shelling during Monday’s talks, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet called the meeting productive and expressed hope that it would lead to an end to the fighting. Cambodia had been calling for a ceasefire since Friday, as Thai forces pushed its troops back.
The agreement includes commitments to withdraw troops from the border and to allow independent monitoring to prevent renewed clashes. Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham pledged to respect the terms of the ceasefire.
ASEAN observers are expected to remain in the area to oversee the withdrawal and ensure both sides adhere to the deal.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
