Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an "immediate and unconditional"

The ceasefire was announced after talks in Malaysia, mediated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with at least 33 people killed and thousands displaced.

The conflict, rooted in historical border disputes, has seen international involvement, including pressure from the United States and calls from the UN for peace.

It seems likely that this ceasefire will pave the way for diplomatic efforts, but sustaining peace may require addressing long-standing territorial issues.

Background

The border between Thailand and Cambodia has been a source of tension for over a century, with disputes often centered around colonial-era treaties and historical temple complexes like Preah Vihear. The recent escalation, starting on July 24, 2025, marked the deadliest fighting in over a decade, with both nations accusing each other of initiating violence.

Ceasefire Details

On July 28, 2025, leaders from both countries, including Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, met in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as ASEAN chair, facilitated the talks, resulting in an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire set for midnight local time. This agreement aims to de-escalate the situation and restore peace.

International Response

The United States, led by President Donald Trump, played a key role by urging a ceasefire and threatening to withhold trade deals if fighting continued. The UN Security Council also held an emergency meeting, with all members calling for de-escalation. Other global actors, like China and the EU, echoed these calls, highlighting the conflict's regional implications.

Implications

While the ceasefire is a positive step, sustaining peace will likely require diplomatic negotiations to address root causes, such as border demarcation. This could impact regional stability and ASEAN's credibility, with both nations needing to rebuild trust for future cooperation.

 Detailed Report on Thailand and Cambodia's Ceasefire Agreement

On July 28, 2025, a significant breakthrough was achieved when Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire, halting five days of intense border clashes that had claimed at least 33 lives and displaced over 168,000 individuals. The announcement, made during high-level talks in Putrajaya, Malaysia, mediated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, marks a critical step towards de-escalating a conflict rooted in longstanding territorial disputes. This report delves into the background, details, international response, and potential implications of this ceasefire, providing a comprehensive analysis based on recent news reports and historical context.

 Historical Background of the Conflict

The border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia trace back to the early 20th century, stemming from the Franco-Siamese Treaties of 1904–1907, when Cambodia was under French protection. These treaties left several border areas ambiguously demarcated, leading to recurring tensions. A notable flashpoint has been the Preah Vihear temple, where the International Court of Justice ruled in favor of Cambodia in 1962, yet surrounding territories remained contested. Tensions escalated in 2008–2011 with military clashes, and the current conflict, erupting on July 24, 2025, represents the deadliest escalation in over a decade.

The recent violence involved heavy artillery exchanges, with both nations accusing each other of initiating hostilities. Thailand reported Cambodian attacks, while Cambodia claimed it was responding to Thai aggression, including air strikes and the use of cluster munitions, which are banned in much of the world due to their indiscriminate impact on civilians. The fighting, centered around disputed border areas along the 817-kilometer frontier, displaced thousands, with reports of civilians fleeing to refugee camps and evacuation centers.

 Details of the Ceasefire Agreement

The ceasefire was announced following a meeting on July 28, 2025, in Putrajaya, Malaysia, attended by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, as the current chair of ASEAN, facilitated the talks, which he described as "frank and constructive." The agreement, effective from midnight local time on July 28, 2025, is described as "immediate and unconditional," aiming to restore peace and security.

Anwar emphasized that this was a "vital first step" towards de-escalation, with both leaders committing to further dialogue to address underlying issues. The role of Malaysia as a mediator highlights ASEAN's efforts to manage internal disputes, with the organization offering its good offices to facilitate negotiations. However, the ceasefire is seen as the beginning of a longer process, with challenges ahead in sustaining peace and resolving territorial disputes.

International Involvement and Response

The conflict drew significant international attention, with several global actors calling for restraint and a return to diplomacy. The United States, a treaty ally of Thailand, played a pivotal role, with President Donald Trump urging both leaders to agree to a ceasefire. On July 26, 2025, Trump reportedly called the leaders, warning that he would not proceed with trade negotiations if fighting continued, stating, "I called the prime ministers of each and said, 'we're not going to make a trade deal unless you settle a war.'" This pressure likely influenced the decision to reach an agreement.

The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting on July 25, 2025, with all 15 members calling for de-escalation and a peaceful resolution. Cambodia's UN Ambassador, Chhea Keo, emphasized his country's desire for an immediate ceasefire, rejecting accusations of initiating the conflict and calling for a "peaceful solution to the dispute." China, a key regional power, also expressed concern and urged restraint, while the European Union and other international bodies echoed these calls.

Malaysia, as ASEAN chair, took a proactive stance, hosting the talks and offering mediation. Other ASEAN members and regional actors likely supported these efforts, given the organization's commitment to regional stability. The international response underscores the broader implications of the conflict, not just for Thailand and Cambodia but for Southeast Asian security and economic cooperation.

Humanitarian and Political Implications

The conflict has had a severe humanitarian impact, with at least 33 people killed, including civilians, and over 168,000 displaced. Reports from the ground describe scenes of chaos, with families fleeing to makeshift shelters and communities disrupted by the violence. The use of heavy artillery and, allegedly, cluster munitions has raised concerns about civilian safety, with calls for investigations into potential war crimes.

Politically, the conflict has come at a sensitive time for both nations. In Thailand, acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai faces domestic pressure, with opposition figures criticizing the government's response to the crisis. The conflict threatens to destabilize Thailand's coalition government, already grappling with internal challenges following recent elections. For Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Manet, who assumed office earlier in 2025, must balance national sovereignty with regional cooperation, using the ceasefire to demonstrate leadership and commitment to peace.

Regionally, the resolution of this conflict is crucial for ASEAN's credibility. As a regional organization, ASEAN has often struggled with internal disputes, but Malaysia's mediation efforts highlight its potential to facilitate solutions. A prolonged conflict could undermine ASEAN's unity and its ability to address other regional challenges, such as economic integration and maritime security.

 Future Outlook and Challenges

While the ceasefire is a positive development, sustaining peace will require addressing the root causes of the border disputes. This may involve third-party mediation, possibly through ASEAN or neutral actors, to finalize border demarcations and establish confidence-building measures. Both countries must also focus on rebuilding trust, particularly in areas like trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges, which have been affected by the conflict.

The involvement of international actors, such as the United States and China, adds another layer of complexity. While their pressure helped secure the ceasefire, their interests in the region could influence future negotiations. For instance, Trump's trade deal threats highlight the economic leverage major powers can exert, potentially shaping the terms of any future agreements.

Looking ahead, the success of the ceasefire will depend on both nations' willingness to engage in good faith negotiations. Historical precedents, such as the 2011 border agreement, suggest that progress is possible, but it requires sustained effort and political will. The international community, particularly ASEAN, will likely continue to play a supportive role, ensuring that the ceasefire holds and that long-term solutions are pursued.

Conclusion

The ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia on July 28, 2025, is a crucial first step towards ending the immediate violence and paving the way for a more stable future. While it offers hope for peace, sustaining it will require diplomatic efforts to address longstanding territorial issues. The international response, led by the United States, UN, and ASEAN, underscores the conflict's regional and global significance. As both nations move forward, this moment serves as a reminder of the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving disputes, ensuring that such escalations do not recur in the future.