After days of deadly border clashes, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire starting at 1700 GMT on July 28, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on Monday. The breakthrough came following urgent mediation talks hosted in Malaysia’s administrative capital, Putrajaya.
The talks brought together Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, with Anwar Ibrahim acting as chief mediator. The ceasefire agreement marks the first major diplomatic step towards ending a conflict that has left at least 35 people dead and forced more than 270,000 civilians from both countries to flee their homes.
“We have seen very positive development and results that would augur well for Cambodia and Thailand,” said PM Anwar, flanked by the two leaders during a press conference. He confirmed that a follow-up meeting between military commanders from both countries is scheduled for Tuesday to ensure that the ceasefire holds.
The high-stakes negotiations took place as artillery fire and rocket exchanges continued along the border, even as talks were underway. Al Jazeera’s correspondents confirmed reports of ongoing shelling and gunfire, especially near Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey and Thailand’s Sisaket provinces, both of which have seen heavy military activity in recent days.
Cambodian troops were accused by Thailand of occupying disputed temples and firing rockets into Thai territory. On Sunday, one Thai civilian was killed and another injured when a Cambodian rocket struck Sisaket province. In return, Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence alleged that Thailand had fired smoke bombs from aircraft and shelled areas around the ancient Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai temples.
Speaking after the talks, Cambodian PM Hun Manet expressed hope that the ceasefire would pave the way for “rebuilding trust and confidence.” He also acknowledged former US President Donald Trump for playing a “decisive role” in facilitating the dialogue, along with support from the Chinese leadership.
Thailand’s acting PM Phumtham, who had earlier cast doubts on Cambodia’s intentions, confirmed Thailand’s commitment to the ceasefire. “This will be carried out successfully in good faith by both sides,” he said.
The ceasefire comes amid widespread international concern over the escalating violence. The ambassadors of the United States and China were present during the negotiations in Malaysia, underscoring the global urgency to contain the conflict in the strategic and economically vital Southeast Asian region.
While tensions remain high, especially along disputed temple zones, the ceasefire has sparked hope among displaced civilians who have been forced into makeshift shelters across the Thai border. “There are so many people who just want to go home,” said Al Jazeera’s Tony Cheng, reporting from Thailand’s Surin province.
As military commanders from both countries prepare to meet, the world watches closely to see whether this truce will hold and lead to a sustainable peace or merely pause a conflict with deep historical roots.
