Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire following days of deadly border fighting, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced Monday after hosting high-level talks in Putrajaya. The agreement came after intense negotiations between acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, which were attended by U.S. and Chinese officials.
"We have seen very positive development and results that would augur well for Cambodia and Thailand," Anwar said. He confirmed that both nations agreed to halt hostilities effective at midnight local time. A meeting of military commanders from both countries is scheduled for Tuesday to work out implementation details.
The border clashes, which began last Thursday, have killed at least 35 people and displaced more than 270,000 across both sides of the border. The fighting marked the worst escalation between the Southeast Asian neighbors in over a decade. "This is a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security," Anwar stated.
Hun Manet praised U.S. President Donald Trump's "decisive" role in pushing the two countries toward a ceasefire, saying the talks would help "rebuild trust and confidence." Trump had earlier warned both leaders that U.S. trade negotiations would be suspended until the violence stopped, with a 36% tariff on Cambodian and Thai exports set to take effect on August 1 if the conflict continued.
Phumtham, who initially expressed doubts about Cambodia's sincerity, said the agreement "reflects Thailand's desire for a peaceful resolution" and will be "carried out successfully in good faith by both sides."
Despite the ceasefire announcement, sporadic fighting continued on Monday. Thai army spokesperson Colonel Richa Suksuwanon said clashes were reported along the border, while the Associated Press confirmed artillery fire near Samrong in Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province. Cambodia's Ministry of National Defence accused Thailand of deploying "a lot of troops" and firing "heavy weapons" into Cambodian territory, including near the disputed Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai temples.
Relations between Thailand and Cambodia have deteriorated sharply in recent months, fueled by territorial disputes and political tensions. Both countries recalled their ambassadors last week after renewed clashes along their 817-kilometer border. The conflict has also been inflamed by a feud between Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen and former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, both influential figures in their respective countries.
