Thailand and Cambodia Reach Immediate Ceasefire Amid Intensified Border Conflicts

Sun Oct 19 2025 00:15:36 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

After five days of deadly clashes, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate ceasefire to restore peace at the border.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced an "unconditional ceasefire" between Thailand and Cambodia following a surge of violence that resulted in at least 33 fatalities and significant displacement. The ceasefire, encouraged by external influences including US negotiations, aims to halt ongoing hostilities as both nations look to stabilize their border regions.

Thailand and Cambodia have officially agreed to an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire" following five days of intense fighting along their border, which has resulted in at least 33 deaths and the displacement of tens of thousands of people. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, surrounded by both the Thai and Cambodian leaders, described the ceasefire as a crucial step toward de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security in the region. The ceasefire is set to take effect at midnight, signaling an end to hostilities that had increased in severity.

Tensions had significantly escalated since May, particularly after the death of a Cambodian soldier during a border clash. This led to Thailand implementing restrictions on movement to Cambodia and Cambodia retaliating by banning certain Thai imports, impacting hundreds of thousands of workers who crossed the border for employment. The hostile environment reached a critical peak last week when a Thai soldier lost his leg due to a landmine, prompting Thailand to close several border crossings and withdraw its ambassador, leading to further exchanges of gunfire.

Despite ongoing violence during peace discussions, Anwar confirmed that Malaysia, along with regional members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), would assist in monitoring the ceasefire. Both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed their commitment to this new agreement, with much appreciation for the roles played by the US and China in facilitating the talks.

In the wake of the recent conflict, nearly 140,000 civilians in Thailand have sought shelter, whereas approximately 135,000 individuals have been evacuated from Cambodia. The fallout from the fighting has significantly impacted local communities, with elderly evacuees expressing fears for their safety from aerial threats. Observations indicate that emotions are still running high on both sides, and it will take time to verify troop withdrawals and stabilize the situation fully.

The ceasefire presents a temporary relief while both governments navigate their complex political landscapes and working relationships, particularly in light of ongoing trade negotiations with the US and China.