Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire" effective from midnight local time on Monday, July 28, 2025, following peace talks hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya.

The agreement marks a critical step toward de-escalating a century-old border dispute that flared up violently last week, leaving at least 33 people dead and displacing tens of thousands.

The ceasefire was announced after intense negotiations facilitated by Malaysia in its role as chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim described the agreement as a "vital first step to a de-escalation and a restoration of peace and security" in the region. The talks were prompted by U.S. President Donald Trump, who pressured both nations to halt hostilities as a prerequisite for advancing trade discussions with Washington.

Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, rooted in a border dispute dating back to the French colonial era when their boundaries were drawn, escalated on July 24, 2025, leading to heavy fighting. The clashes, centered around a contested area near the Preah Vihear temple—a UNESCO World Heritage site—have displaced over 20,000 people, with villages on both sides of the border reporting significant damage. The violence has drawn international concern, with the United Nations and ASEAN calling for an immediate resolution.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized the need to "start rebuilding trust and confidence," while Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai affirmed Thailand’s commitment to peace, stating that the country negotiated "in good faith." However, regional analysts, including BBC’s South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head, caution that sustaining the ceasefire will be challenging without a verified withdrawal of troops from the disputed area, a process that could take days or even weeks to implement.

The ceasefire agreement includes provisions for both sides to establish a joint monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance, though details remain sparse. ASEAN has pledged to support follow-up talks to address the root causes of the dispute, which has flared intermittently since a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling awarded the Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia but left surrounding areas contested.

As the region holds its breath, humanitarian organizations are mobilizing to assist displaced communities, with reports of shortages of food, water, and shelter in temporary camps. The international community, including the U.S. and the UN, has welcomed the ceasefire but urged both nations to pursue a lasting resolution to prevent further loss of life. (ILKHA)