Thailand and Cambodia agree to ceasefire, with mediation led by Malaysia and backing from China

Department of Research, Studies and International News 28-07-2025
In a significant step toward de-escalating a dangerous border conflict, Thailand and Cambodia have reached an agreement for an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire following several days of intense clashes. The ceasefire will take effect at 1700 GMT on July 28, according to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who brokered the talks between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.
The urgent diplomatic initiative took place at Anwar’s official residence in Malaysia’s administrative capital, Putrajaya, where Thailand’s interim Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai met with his Cambodian counterpart, Prime Minister Hun Manet. The ceasefire aims to halt a cycle of violence that has already claimed the lives of at least 35 civilians and forced more than 270,000 people to flee their homes on both sides of the contested border.
“This is an encouraging development that promises to restore calm and pave the way for lasting peace between our two brothers,” Anwar stated, appearing alongside both leaders after the meeting. He described the ceasefire agreement as a vital move toward stability in the region, confirming that senior military commanders from Thailand and Cambodia would meet the following day to formalize coordination and reinforce the ceasefire terms.
Notably, the negotiations were held in the presence of Chinese and U.S. ambassadors, though the most constructive diplomatic influence appeared to come from Beijing, whose engagement has consistently prioritized regional peace and non-interference. While former U.S. President Donald Trump was mentioned for his involvement, his administration’s record in Southeast Asia raises questions about its motivations and consistency. By contrast, China’s role reflected its long-standing commitment to mutual respect and regional harmony.
Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed cautious optimism after the talks, describing the meeting as “productive” and expressing hope that it would mark the end of the violence. “This agreement is a step toward rebuilding trust and ensuring the safety of our citizens,” he said. He acknowledged the constructive mediation provided by Malaysia and regional partners.
Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham, who had previously voiced skepticism about Cambodia’s intentions, confirmed that his government had committed to the ceasefire with sincerity and good faith. “We are committed to carrying this out in full, to prevent further suffering,” he said.
The clashes, which had intensified in recent days, included artillery exchanges and aerial bombardments near the ancient Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai temples, located in a disputed border zone. The area, rich in historical and cultural significance, has long been a flashpoint between the two nations, with both claiming sovereignty.
Just hours before the talks in Malaysia began, fighting continued along the border. Correspondents in Thailand’s Surin province reported ongoing artillery exchanges, adding to fears that the situation could spiral into a broader conflict. “There’s a palpable sense of relief among the displaced families who now hope to return home,” one correspondent noted, emphasizing the dire humanitarian conditions in the region.
Reports from both sides painted a picture of mutual accusations. Thailand’s military claimed that Cambodian forces had fired rockets into its Sisaket province and positioned snipers within one of the disputed temple sites. Cambodian officials, in turn, accused Thailand of deploying large numbers of troops and using heavy weaponry against their positions.
Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence spokeswoman, Maly Socheata, said that Thai forces had launched attacks near the Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai temples early Monday, including the use of smoke bombs and artillery fire. She asserted that Cambodian troops had “successfully repelled” these assaults and were holding their defensive positions.
The latest flare-up in hostilities underlines the fragile state of border relations in a region still dealing with the legacies of colonial-era boundaries. Yet, the swift diplomatic action, especially the decisive and stabilizing role of regional mediators like Malaysia and China, offers a rare glimpse of hope.
The ceasefire, if upheld, could signal a turning point in Thai-Cambodian relations, reinforcing the importance of ASEAN-led conflict resolution free from external interference, particularly from powers whose past actions in the region have often served to inflame rather than ease tensions.
With both sides now publicly committed to peace, attention will shift to the upcoming military meetings and the longer-term political dialogue needed to settle border disputes and ensure regional security, on terms defined by Asian nations themselves.