The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia have reached an agreement for an immediate ceasefire on Monday, following five days of the deadliest border clashes between the two countries in over a decade.
The breakthrough came during a meeting in Malaysia, hosted by current ASEAN Chair and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Both sides committed to halting hostilities and restoring direct communication channels.
“Today we had a very good meeting with very good results… with hopes to immediately stop the fighting that has caused many lives lost, injuries, and the displacement of people,” Anwar said during a joint press conference with the two leaders.
The conflict, which erupted last week, was triggered by a longstanding border dispute along the two nations’ shared 817-kilometer boundary. The fighting escalated into heavy artillery exchanges and Thai airstrikes, resulting in significant casualties and civilian displacement.
Both China and the United States had offered to mediate the conflict, with U.S. President Donald Trump calling both leaders over the weekend to urge peace. Trump also warned that no trade agreements would be signed until hostilities ended.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the talks and pledged to restore normal bilateral relations with Thailand.
Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai admitted initial doubts about Cambodia’s sincerity but said Thailand is prepared to uphold the ceasefire “in good faith.”
The ceasefire is expected to pave the way for renewed dialogue and long-term solutions to the territorial dispute.
