Thailand and Cambodia Reach Agreement For 'Unconditional' Ceasefire
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an unconditional ceasefire, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on Monday.
"Both Cambodia and Thailand reached a common understanding as follows: One, an immediate and unconditional ceasefire with effect from 24 hours local time, midnight on 28th July 2025, tonight," Anwar said following mediation talks in Malaysia.
At least 35 people have been killed and around 200,000 displaced in the deadliest fighting between the two countries in more than a decade.
Why were Cambodia and Thailand fighting?
The dispute between the two Southeast Asian neighbours over their shared border dates back decades, but tensions have escalated since a Cambodian soldier was killed in a skirmish in late May.
Last week's fighting was triggered when a Thai soldier lost his leg in a landmine explosion along the border on Thursday, with both sides blaming each other.
In response, there has been heavy fighting, including airstrikes and missile attacks.
Both countries also recalled their ambassadors, and Thailand closed all border crossings with Cambodia, allowing only Cambodian migrant workers to return home.
Malaysia welcomes ceasefire
Anwar proposed ceasefire talks soon after the long-standing border dispute flared into open conflict on Thursday. China and the United States also offered to assist in negotiations.
On Saturday, US President Donald Trump spoke to both leaders and threatened to withhold trade deals with the two countries unless the fighting stopped.
Anwar, in his capacity as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet had reached a mutual understanding to take steps toward restoring normalcy.
"This is a vital first step," Anwar said after the talks, adding that both leaders had "expressed their positions and willingness to... an immediate ceasefire, a return to de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security."
"The solutions that Prime Minister Anwar just announced will set a condition for moving forward for our bilateral discussion to return to normalcy of the relationship," Hun Manet said.
His Thai counterpart said the ceasefire would "be carried out successfully in good faith by both sides."
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