Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire set to begin at midnight on July 28, 2025, following five days of deadly border clashes. The announcement came after emergency peace talks mediated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, acting in his capacity as ASEAN chair. The agreement was signed in Putrajaya, with representatives from both the United States and China observing.
The conflict, rooted in a long-standing territorial dispute around the Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temple regions, escalated rapidly after a landmine explosion injured Thai soldiers near the contested border. The violence has claimed at least 35 lives and displaced over 200,000 people.
Cambodia hailed the ceasefire as a step toward regional stability, while Thailand voiced caution, emphasizing the need for genuine commitment to peace and adherence to international law. A follow-up meeting between military commanders from both nations is scheduled for July 29 to coordinate de-escalation efforts and ensure compliance.
The ceasefire marks a critical moment for ASEAN diplomacy, as the region watches to see whether the truce will hold. Continued cooperation and international oversight will be key to preventing further violence and addressing the underlying tensions.
