A ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia has largely held, despite some initial skirmishes, following a truce agreement brokered in part due to economic pressure from US President Donald Trump. The agreement, reached on Monday, calls for an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire, bringing an end to nearly a week of hostilities that resulted in at least 38 deaths and displaced nearly 300,000 people.
The ceasefire was tested early on Tuesday when Thailand’s army accused Cambodia of launching attacks in multiple areas, claims that Cambodia swiftly rejected. Despite these tensions, both sides have shown restraint, with Thai military commanders meeting with their Cambodian counterparts to agree on halting troop movements and avoiding escalation.
According to Jirayu Houngsub, a spokesperson for Thailand’s prime minister, the Thai military “is currently responding and controlling the situation” at Phu Makhuea, a mountain in a disputed area adjacent to Thailand’s Sisaket province. The morning fighting reportedly stopped after military commanders from both sides met and agreed to establish coordination teams before a joint border committee meeting in Cambodia on August 4.
Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha confirmed that he spoke to his Thai counterpart about “incidents” during the ceasefire implementation but emphasized that Cambodia’s army abided by the truce. As the situation stabilizes, some displaced persons have begun returning to their homes, although many still wait in makeshift shelters.
Meun Saray, a 45-year-old woman living in a tarpaulin shelter near the border town of Samraong, expressed her desire to return home, saying, “If they (the government) say that my village is safe to return, then I would go back home and reunite with my family because here is not as easy to live as my home.” The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has a long history, with both countries clashing over their 800km border.
Analysts warn that the ceasefire remains tenuous and politically complicated. Kokthay Eng, a Cambodian researcher, noted that the truce may not last if the Thai government fails to secure lower US tariffs. “It is risky and will require clear markers to build traction,” added Southeast Asian political expert Bridget Welsh, emphasizing the need for a proper border survey to address the conflict’s roots.
The US economic pressure played a significant role in brokering the ceasefire, with Trump warning that he might not proceed with trade deals if hostilities continued. With a 36% tariff on goods from both countries set to take effect, the economic stakes are high. As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, hoping for a lasting resolution to the conflict.