Bangkok: Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following five days of intense fighting along their shared border. The clashes, which erupted on July 24, 2025, are among the most serious in over a decade and have raised alarm across Southeast Asia and beyond. The agreement was reached during emergency talks held in Putrajaya, Malaysia, with mediation led by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and diplomatic support from both the United States and China.
The border conflict intensified following the death of a Cambodian soldier in May, which rekindled long-standing tensions over the demarcation line near the historic Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temples. The recent flare-up resulted in heavy artillery fire, airstrikes, and ground troop mobilizations by both sides. By July 27, at least 33 people, including civilians and military personnel, were confirmed dead. Over 200,000 people have been displaced more than 138,000 from Thailand and around 50,000 from Cambodia.
As fighting spread across multiple locations, Thailand imposed martial law in Chanthaburi, Sa Kaeo, and Trat provinces. Entire villages were evacuated, and local hospitals were overwhelmed with casualties. Humanitarian agencies voiced grave concerns over the deteriorating situation, with thousands of displaced families in urgent need of food, shelter, and medical assistance.
The ceasefire deal, effective from midnight on July 28, includes commitments from both nations to halt hostilities and begin dialogue through military and diplomatic channels. A follow-up meeting between border commanders is expected within days, and ASEAN defense representatives will convene on August 4 to discuss further de-escalation.
In a joint press briefing, both sides expressed hope that the ceasefire would pave the way for long-term resolution of the border dispute. However, tensions remain, as Cambodia insists on international arbitration, including ongoing proceedings at the International Court of Justice, while Thailand prefers bilateral negotiation outside of court rulings.
The ceasefire comes after intense international pressure. The United Nations, ASEAN, and major powers like the U.S. and China urged restraint and immediate cessation of violence. The conflict had prompted the UN Security Council to hold an emergency session, with global leaders warning that the hostilities threatened regional stability.
Despite the ceasefire, analysts caution that peace remains fragile unless structural issues—such as border demarcation, political mistrust, and military provocations are addressed. The world watches closely as Thailand and Cambodia take the first steps toward peace, with hopes that diplomacy will succeed where decades of dispute have failed.