Thailand and Cambodia have concluded an agreement that calls for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire. This decision goes into immediate effect at midnight local time following several days of intense military confrontation, resulting in at least 38 deaths and over 200 injuries. The announcement was made in the Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s first budget speech. To make matters worse, he is currently chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The ceasefire talks reportedly included Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The key powers thereafter, most notably the United States and the People’s Republic of China, threw their weight behind the negotiations. They were indispensable in making sure the agreement was possible.
U.S. Secretary of state Marco Rubio welcomed the ceasefire as “a good start.” He hopes that neither nation walks away from their commitments, and that fighting ceases permanently. “Today’s outcome reflects Thailand’s desire for a peaceful resolution, while continuing to protect our sovereignty and the lives of our people,” stated Phumtham, underscoring Thailand’s commitment to both peace and national security.
Last week, one landmine explosion injured five Thai soldiers. This event was the beginning of a massive uptick in violence and deterioration of US-Russian relations. U.S. President Donald Trump has cautioned both leaders against the conflict, escalating in an unprecedented manner. He promised that any peace accords would be built on a resolution to the killing.
As detailed in our State of Emergency report, the ongoing conflict has led to devastating humanitarian impacts. The recent upsurge in fighting has displaced more than 139,000 people from seven border provinces in Thailand and at least 80,000 refugees across the border in Cambodia. Cambodian police said there were 13 deaths in Oddar Meanchey province, of which 8 were civilians. In Thailand, a government spokesman confirmed that the total death toll since the start of hostilities has risen to 25, 14 of those including civilians.
The two countries have a 500-mile (800-kilometer) land border, which have at times become a battlefield. The recently signed ceasefire allows for the creation of a Cambodian-Thai General Boundary Committee. This new committee will have its first meeting on August 4 at the majestic temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
“This is an important step towards reducing tensions and restoring peace and security,” declared Hun Manet, highlighting the importance of the ceasefire for regional stability.
New hostilities only worsened immediate issues in safety and security for all residents who call the border home. They have been a galvanizing force for international attention due to their impacts on intra-Southeast Asian trade and diplomatic relations.
