A ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia came into force early Tuesday local time, ending five days of fighting along their disputed border that forced hundreds of thousands to flee. The agreement was reached after urgent talks mediated by Malaysia under the umbrella of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and supported by the United States and China.
The two Southeast Asian neighbors have had border disputes for a long time, but there have been no serious military clashes since 2011. Both Cambodia and Thailand have accused the other of starting the five-day fighting.
The current conflict began on Thursday and was reportedly triggered by a border landmine explosion that injured a Thai soldier. Artillery fire, airstrikes, and ground clashes quickly followed, spreading across several provinces near the contested area, with Thailand conducting airstrikes inside Cambodian territory.
Local communities fled in large numbers, and both sides traded accusations about who was responsible for the escalation.
Since fighting began, at least 43 people, including civilians, have reportedly died, hundreds have been injured, and some 300,000 people have been displaced. Many civilians have crossed provincial lines or sought refuge in temporary shelters, schools, and temples.
Humanitarian agencies warn of limited access to clean water, food, and medical care in areas affected by shelling. Damage to roads and rural infrastructure has complicated relief efforts. Local authorities have begun assessing conditions in evacuated villages. Farmers who left their livestock behind fear significant economic losses if they are unable to return soon.
The ceasefire requires an immediate halt to all military operations and the withdrawal of heavy weapons from forward positions. Senior military officers from both countries met near the border on Tuesday to coordinate further de-escalation efforts.
A joint border committee is expected to convene in Cambodia on August 4 to establish a long-term monitoring system. ASEAN officials have offered technical support and observers to help maintain calm in the region.
The ceasefire agreement was reached between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai at the official residence of the Malaysian prime minister near Kuala Lumpur.
Leaders on both sides described the agreement as fragile but necessary. Thai Prime Minister Wechayachai called for restraint and dialogue, whereas Cambodian Prime Minister Manet emphasized the importance of resolving border issues peacefully.
Neighboring countries and international stakeholders have welcomed the truce. The United States has urged both governments to continue the dialogue and grant humanitarian agencies full access to displaced communities. China, a major investor in both countries, also expressed support for a stable resolution.
Malaysia, the current chair of ASEAN, played a central role in brokering the ceasefire by hosting leaders for urgent negotiations in Putrajaya. Regional diplomats expect this outcome to strengthen ASEAN’s credibility as a mediator in local conflicts.
Depending on security conditions, local authorities have begun preparing for the safe return of evacuees. Mine clearance teams may be deployed in border areas to reduce risks to civilians.
Relief organizations have called for coordinated assistance to restore essential services, rebuild damaged homes, and support farmers who lost crops and livestock during the clashes.
On Monday, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, calling it a positive step towards ending the current hostilities and easing the tensions between the two countries.
In a statement released by his spokesman, Guterres urged both countries to fully respect the agreement and create an environment conducive to addressing long-standing issues and achieving lasting peace.
He also commended Malaysia, the United States; and China for their efforts toward peacefully resolving the situation.
"The United Nations stands ready to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region," the statement said.
On Saturday, Guterres had expressed deep concern about the continuation of armed clashes along the Cambodian-Thai border. He condemned "the tragic and unnecessary loss of lives, injuries to civilians, and damage to homes and infrastructure on both sides."
In response to Cambodia’s request and amid intensifying border clashes, the UN Security Council had an emergency meeting behind closed doors on Friday to address the most serious escalation between the two Southeast Asian neighbors in over a decade.
Thailand and Cambodia have experienced periods of heightened tension in the past, particularly over contested border areas and lingering disputes over historically significant temples.
The last major flare-up occurred in 2011, when there were days of border fighting near the historic Preah Vihear temple. The 2011 escalation followed a 2008 troop buildup around the 11th-century Hindu temple, which is located on the Cambodian side of the border.