Tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border eased on Tuesday after both countries agreed to a ceasefire, bringing a pause to the deadliest cross-border conflict in over a decade. Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed that the situation was now calm, with military commanders from both sides scheduled to meet for talks at 10 a.m. local time.
The ceasefire follows a high-level meeting on Monday in Malaysia between Phumtham and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Their agreement ended five days of fierce fighting that claimed at least 38 lives—mostly civilians—and forced more than 300,000 people to flee their homes.
Despite the ceasefire taking effect at midnight, the Thai army reported that Cambodian troops launched attacks at five locations early Tuesday, prompting a proportionate response from Thai forces. However, Phumtham downplayed the incidents, saying there was “no escalation” and the border remained calm.
Cambodia’s Defence Ministry also stated there were no ongoing clashes. Monday’s peace breakthrough came after strong diplomatic efforts by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump warned that trade negotiations with both nations would be halted if fighting continued.
Thailand and Cambodia currently face a 36% U.S. tariff on their exports unless new trade terms are agreed upon. Following the ceasefire, Trump announced that he had spoken to both leaders and directed his trade team to resume tariff negotiations.
Border tensions between the Southeast Asian neighbours have simmered for years, particularly after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a skirmish in May—an incident that sparked a troop buildup and full-scale diplomatic crisis.
