Following five days of combat along their jungle-covered frontier that has resulted in at least 36 fatalities and tens of thousands of evacuees, the presidents of Thailand and Cambodia agreed Monday to a “unconditional” truce.
A long-disputed border area was the scene of the bloodiest flare-up since 2008-2011. The area is claimed by both sides due to a hazy line drawn by French colonial rulers in Cambodia in 1907.
“An immediate and unconditional ceasefire with effect from 24 hours local time, midnight on 28th July 2025, tonight” was the agreed upon ceasefire, according to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Following a mediation meeting at Anwar’s official house in Malaysia, which presently serves as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the news was made. Shortly after 0700 GMT, Anwar attended a meeting with Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia and Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai of Thailand.
Both presidents have “expressed their positions and willingness to an immediate ceasefire, a return to de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security,” Anwar told reporters, calling this a crucial first step.
Phumtham and Hun expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his support of the negotiations. “the solutions that Prime Minister Anwar just announced will set a condition for moving forward for our bilateral discussion to return to normalcy of the relationship.” Hun continued.
As the two nations, which are both well-known travel destinations, clashed over a few disputed border temples, at least 36 people were murdered and nearly 200,000 were displaced.
