Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict: Reported Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Tensions
The U.S. Department of State confirmed the agreement, applauding the declaration and urging all parties to follow through on commitments.
SOUTHEAST ASIA — As of July 28, 2025, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire effective midnight, following bilateral talks in Malaysia, hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The discussions involved Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, with U.S. facilitation. Sources vary on the exact location (Putrajaya or Kuala Lumpur), and Chinese involvement as observers is mentioned in some reports but unconfirmed by official sources.
The U.S. Department of State confirmed the agreement, applauding the declaration and urging all parties to follow through on commitments.
Prior to this development, clashes intensified since July 24, 2025, with mutual accusations of aggression along disputed border areas near ancient temples. Casualty figures vary across reports, indicating 32 to 36 deaths and 200,000 to 300,000 displaced civilians, though these remain unverified by official sources.
The conflict stems from longstanding territorial disputes rooted in colonial-era mappings, exacerbated by cultural and political factors. Both nations claim sovereignty over pockets of land along their 803 to 817 kilometer border, primarily around sites like Preah Vihear temple, awarded to Cambodia by the ICJ in 1962, yet access and surrounding lands remain contested. Larger maritime disputes in the Gulf of Thailand cover approximately 26,000 to 27,000 square kilometers.
Diplomatic efforts, including ASEAN mediation and international interventions, have historically yielded temporary halts but no permanent resolution. Economic repercussions include disrupted trade and tourism, while humanitarian concerns focus on civilian displacements and potential escalations involving heavy weaponry.
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