Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire, effective midnight on July 28, in a bid to resolve deadly border clashes that have killed at least 35 people and displaced over 270,000. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the development after hosting talks between Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet at his official residence in Putrajaya, Malaysia.
“We have seen very positive development and results that would augur well for Cambodia and Thailand,” Anwar said, flanked by Phumtham and Hun Manet. The ceasefire is a vital first step towards de-escalation and restoration of peace and security, he added. US President Donald Trump and Chinese leadership were in close contact with the leaders of both countries and Malaysia to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Hun Manet praised Trump’s “decisive” role in paving the way for the talks and the ceasefire, expressing hope that the agreement would lead to the rebuilding of trust and confidence between Cambodia and Thailand. Phumtham said Thailand had agreed to the ceasefire, which would be carried out successfully in good faith by both sides.
The talks aimed to halt fighting that erupted on July 24, with both sides accusing each other of initiating the violence. The clashes have caused significant humanitarian concerns, with over 100,000 people evacuated from border areas and at least 852 schools and 7 hospitals closed for safety reasons in Thailand. Human Rights Watch has urged both countries to abide by international humanitarian law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Despite the agreement, Tony Cheng reported from Thailand’s border province of Surin that border clashes still continued between the two countries, with incoming and outgoing artillery fire heard even after the talks began. A large military build-up was also underway in Thailand. The US and China have been involved in the peace efforts, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying US officials were on the ground in Malaysia to assist the peace efforts.