Published: 28 July’ 2025 | The English Chronicle Desk | The English Chronicle Online
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, bringing a halt to ongoing cross-border clashes that have claimed dozens of lives in recent weeks. The announcement was made by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who hosted crisis talks in Kuala Lumpur between both sides.
Speaking at a press conference late Sunday evening, Prime Minister Anwar revealed that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had reached a common understanding to de-escalate tensions and restore calm along the contested border regions. The ceasefire will come into effect at midnight on 28 July 2025.
“This is a critical moment for both nations and for regional stability,” Prime Minister Anwar said as he read aloud the joint declaration. “Both sides have shown restraint, wisdom, and a genuine willingness to put peace and the lives of civilians ahead of conflict.”
The deal marks the first formal step toward de-escalation since hostilities erupted last month over long-standing territorial disputes near the Preah Vihear temple zone. The renewed violence, involving artillery exchanges and troop mobilizations, had raised fears of a broader conflict with potential to destabilize Southeast Asia. Civilian populations on both sides of the border were displaced, and international observers warned of a growing humanitarian crisis if the clashes were to continue.
The diplomatic talks in Malaysia were arranged hastily over the weekend, after growing pressure from both ASEAN neighbours and global powers. Malaysian officials played a crucial role in facilitating the ceasefire agreement, drawing on longstanding ties with both Bangkok and Phnom Penh. Prime Minister Anwar, who has emerged as a regional mediator in recent months, described the ceasefire as “a testament to diplomacy over warfare.”
One of the turning points in the negotiations appears to have been the unexpected intervention of US President Donald Trump, who is currently on a private visit to Scotland. According to sources familiar with the talks, President Trump reached out to the leaders of both Thailand and Cambodia, warning that continued hostilities could jeopardize any future bilateral trade deals with the United States.
White House officials confirmed that President Trump communicated directly with both governments, advising them that Washington would not engage in trade talks or offer support while border violence persisted. The pressure reportedly added urgency to the negotiations and helped push both parties toward a peaceful resolution.
“President Trump made it clear that stability is a prerequisite for economic partnership,” said a senior US official. “His message was firm but constructive, and it helped shift the dynamics of the discussion.”
Though the ceasefire agreement is a major diplomatic success, analysts caution that it represents only the first step in what could be a lengthy process of rebuilding trust and establishing a lasting peace. Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have flared repeatedly over the past two decades, with disputed territory and nationalist sentiment often fueling unrest.
In recent years, international courts have ruled in favour of Cambodia over some key border claims, including sovereignty over the Preah Vihear temple. However, enforcement of those rulings has remained sensitive, and both sides have frequently accused each other of provocations and encroachments.
With the ceasefire now in place, attention will turn to next steps. Malaysia is expected to host follow-up meetings aimed at establishing joint monitoring mechanisms and long-term agreements on border management. ASEAN, the regional bloc, has also offered to support peacekeeping and conflict resolution efforts if requested.
The international community has welcomed the ceasefire. The United Nations issued a statement late Sunday commending the agreement and urging both sides to honour their commitments. “We encourage Thailand and Cambodia to continue dialogue and to work toward a peaceful and sustainable resolution to their differences,” the UN spokesperson said.
Back in the border provinces, the news was met with cautious optimism. Residents displaced by the fighting expressed hope that they could return to their homes in the coming days, though many remain wary after witnessing repeated breakdowns of peace in past confrontations.
As the clock ticks toward the midnight ceasefire, all eyes are now on implementation. Military commanders on both sides are under orders to halt all offensive operations and begin the process of demobilising frontline units. Humanitarian agencies are also preparing to deliver aid to affected regions as soon as access is secured.
Whether this ceasefire will hold remains to be seen, but today marks a hopeful turning point for two nations long caught in cycles of mistrust and military standoff. If the spirit of cooperation displayed in Malaysia can be sustained, the ceasefire could pave the way toward a more stable and prosperous future for both Thailand and Cambodia—and for Southeast Asia as a whole.
