A fragile ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia took effect early Tuesday following five days of intense fighting along their disputed jungle-covered border. Both nations agreed to an “unconditional” truce starting at midnight on Monday, aiming to end hostilities over ancient temples in contested areas along their 800-kilometre frontier.
In the Cambodian border city of Samraong, artillery fire could be heard throughout Monday until it abruptly ceased just before midnight, according to AFP journalists on the ground.
The recent clashes, which involved jets, rockets, and heavy artillery, have left at least 38 people dead and displaced nearly 300,000 civilians since Thursday. The violence, the worst since sporadic clashes between 2008 and 2011, reignited nationalist tensions over border demarcations dating back to French colonial rule in 1907.
The ceasefire, brokered with support from the U.S., China, and Malaysia, was followed by a scheduled 7am military commanders’ meeting and a cross-border committee session in Cambodia to further ease tensions.
In a joint statement, both governments and Malaysia—host of the peace talks—hailed the agreement as “a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security.” The talks took place in Malaysia’s administrative capital, Putrajaya, under the leadership of Prime Minister and ASEAN chair Anwar Ibrahim.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who had earlier intervened amid fears of escalating regional instability, welcomed the ceasefire. The U.S. State Department confirmed that its diplomats were present on the ground to support peace efforts. Trump has been pressuring both nations for independent trade agreements and threatened severe tariffs, but indicated that peace would pave the way for future deals.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet thanked Trump for his “decisive” support, while Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai called for both sides to uphold the agreement sincerely. “If they say they’ll stop firing, they must stop completely,” said Thai evacuee Prapakarn Samruamjit, speaking from a shelter in Surin.
Tensions remained high leading up to the ceasefire, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of stationing snipers at one of the contested temples and escalating troop presence. Fighting reportedly broke out in seven locations across the rural, mountainous region, where local communities depend on rubber and rice farming.
So far, Thailand has reported 11 soldiers and 14 civilian deaths, while Cambodia has confirmed eight civilian and five military fatalities. Thai authorities also claimed to have returned the bodies of 12 Cambodian soldiers.
More than 138,000 Thais and approximately 140,000 Cambodians have fled their homes due to the conflict. Amid the rising nationalist sentiment, the Thai government has urged its citizens to avoid hostility toward Cambodian migrants.
As the guns fall silent—for now—many displaced residents are holding on to hope. “When I heard the news, I was so happy because I miss my home and everything I left behind,” said Phean Neth, a 45-year-old Cambodian evacuee at a temple shelter. “I can’t even describe the feeling.”
