Malaysia’s diplomatic initiative has led to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia after five days of deadly border clashes that left over 30 dead and displaced more than 200,000 civilians.
Prime Ministers Hun Manet of Cambodia and Phumtham Wechayachai of Thailand met in Putrajaya, Malaysia, along with US and Chinese envoys. The breakthrough came after Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim facilitated the high-stakes dialogue, and former US President Donald Trump reportedly pressured both sides by threatening to suspend trade agreements.
The conflict centered on long-standing disputes surrounding the ancient temples of Preah Vihear and Ta Moan Thom, sacred Hindu sites straddling the 817-km land border. Cambodia has reiterated its call for international condemnation of Thai artillery strikes, while Thailand blamed Cambodia for targeting civilians.
Despite Monday’s truce declaration, skirmishes were still reported along the border, hinting at a fragile peace. The dispute echoes a similar flare-up from 2008, when Cambodia’s bid to list Preah Vihear as a UNESCO World Heritage Site sparked violence. Cambodia now wants the International Court of Justice to resolve the current dispute, though Thailand prefers bilateral engagement.
With international actors now involved and regional stability at stake, observers hope the ceasefire will hold—and mark a turning point in Southeast Asian diplomacy.
