Meanwhile, Cambodia and Thailand have quickly reached consensus on an immediate ceasefire. This unconditioned accord is meant to stop the recent border skirmishes that have led to high civilian casualties and mass displacement. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai shaking hands after announcing the agreement. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim presided over the negotiations as chairman, in his capacity as leader of the ASEAN regional group. The agreement, which would allow humanitarian relief and medical evacuations to take place, will go into effect within 24 hours.
The continued fighting in Cambodia has now displaced some 134,000 Cambodians, with an estimated 300,000 refugees reported on both sides of the Khmer–Thai border. Maly Socheata, Defence Ministry spokeswoman in Cambodia, announced that after a five-day armed standoff they had killed 13 individuals. The reality is bad and getting worse by the day. Tensions have escalated over a border dispute that dates back decades, particularly following the death of a Cambodian soldier during a skirmish with Thai troops in May.
Background of the Conflict
The long running dispute along the Cambodian-Thai border has at times boiled over into violence. The last major flare-up came this past May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed, paving the way for further violence. When a second Thai soldier lost his leg to a landmine, it inflamed tensions and soon led to the full-scale confrontation.
Maly Socheata explained how the feeling is “continuous and string,” emphasizing the need for quick resolution. The rising bloodshed forced both nations to reconsider their diplomatic ties. In reaction to the conflict, Thailand recalled its ambassador to Cambodia and kicked out the Cambodian ambassador (or ambassador-designate) to Thailand. In response, Cambodia degraded its diplomatic relations with Thailand to its lowest echelon.
During this period of unrest, ASEAN foreign ministers expressed growing concern over the rising death toll and extensive destruction of public properties along the disputed border areas. In his statement addressing ASEAN leaders, Prime Minister Hun Manet called for a peaceful solution to be discovered.
“We have a very good meeting and very good results … that hope to stop the fighting that has caused many lives lost and injuries, and displaced a lot of people,” – Hun Manet
The Ceasefire Agreement
The agreement on the ceasefire is an important first step towards de-escalation in the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. Anwar Ibrahim announced that both parties reached a common understanding for an immediate ceasefire effective at midnight on July 28, 2025. This agreement is seen as laying the ground for continued discussions to normalize bilateral relations at some point in the future.
During the meeting, Thai Foreign Minister Phumtham Wechayachai reiterated Thailand’s wish for a peaceful resolution, but underscored Bangkok’s intention to protect its sovereignty. He stated, “Thailand’s desire (is) for peaceful resolution while continuing to protect our sovereignty and the lives of our people.” At the same time, he conceded that sincerity was needed for any productive discussion.
“Both Cambodia and Thailand reached a common understanding as follows: One, an immediate and unconditional ceasefire with effect from 24 hours local time, midnight on July 28, 2025, tonight,” – Anwar Ibrahim
Humanitarian Impact
The humanitarian toll of the conflict has been catastrophic. Thousands of other civilians have been forcibly displaced, sheltering in overcrowded and unsanitary shelters – with little to no access to food, water, and medication. Phum Sokhorn, a refugee, spoke about the hardships faced by those affected by the conflict:
“Staying here is miserable. We can’t make any income — we just wait for some little aid,” – Phum Sokhorn
Negotiations are still in process. We call on both parties to seek judicial remedies to their territory disagreements by bringing their claims to international courts. Sokhorn encouraged Thailand to seek resolution to the dispute via legal means at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
International actors have made their alarm known, including the UN and EU. Chinese officials clearly demonstrated their backing for both countries in their powers’ fight for a ceasefire. They weren’t just passive participants in the unique special meeting last week.
