In light of escalating violence and border conflicts, Thailand and Cambodia have announced an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire," aiming to bring an end to an intense five-day conflict.
Thailand and Cambodia Declare Ceasefire Amid Border Clashes
Thailand and Cambodia Declare Ceasefire Amid Border Clashes
An urgent ceasefire pact comes after deadly confrontations escalate tensions in Southeast Asia.
Thailand and Cambodia have taken significant steps towards peace by agreeing to an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire" following five days of violent confrontations that have resulted in at least 33 fatalities and displaced thousands from their homes. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, flanked by his Thai and Cambodian counterparts, characterized the agreement as a pivotal measure for de-escalating tensions and restoring security in the region. This ceasefire is set to take effect at midnight.
Initially resistant to third-party mediation, Thailand changed its stance after US President Donald Trump intervened, linking ongoing tariff negotiations with the cessation of hostilities. The roots of the current conflict can be traced back to longstanding disputes over the border that ignited further in May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed during skirmishes. In response, Thailand enacted strict measures affecting its citizens and tourists traveling into Cambodia, while Cambodia retaliated by limiting imports from its neighbor.
The situation saw a sharp escalation last week, culminating in a Thai soldier losing a leg to a landmine explosion and resulting in the closure of multiple border crossings, the expulsion and recall of ambassadors, and an exchange of gunfire that left civilians caught in the crossfire. Reports indicate significant civilian casualties, particularly in Thai villages, while Cambodia stated that 13 individuals, including eight civilians, have died on their side.
Despite ongoing peace talks, artillery shells and rockets continued to impact both nations. Anwar Ibrahim announced that Malaysia, alongside other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), would play a role in monitoring the newly established ceasefire. Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia expressed the importance of this meeting, emphasizing the need for an immediate halt to hostilities.
As both leaders expressed gratitude to the US and China for their involvement in the negotiations, they acknowledged that verifying troop withdrawals and calming emotions after such tragic losses could take several days. With an estimated 140,000 civilians evacuated from Thailand and around 135,000 from Cambodia since conflicts began, many remain deeply affected by the violence. On the Thai border, a 75-year-old evacuee revealed her lingering fears as she could hear military drones overhead, pleading for an end to the violence "this evening." As the social media battleground heats up amidst the strife, it underscores the deep-seated issues impacting Thai and Cambodian relations.
