Information
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire starting at midnight on July 28, 2025, following deadly clashes that left at least 35 people dead and displaced around 200,000. The ceasefire announcement was made by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who mediated the talks in his capacity as chair of ASEAN. The conflict, rooted in a long-standing border dispute, escalated in recent months after the deaths and injuries of soldiers from both countries, with fighting intensifying to include airstrikes and missile attacks. Diplomatic ties were strained further when both nations recalled ambassadors and Thailand shut its borders with Cambodia.
Efforts to resolve the conflict gained momentum with mediation offers from China and the U.S., including a direct warning from U.S. President Donald Trump that trade agreements could be at risk if the violence continued. Anwar’s mediation led to a mutual understanding between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, signalling a commitment to de-escalation and restoring peace. Both leaders expressed willingness to rebuild bilateral relations, and the ceasefire is seen as a crucial first step toward long-term stability in the region.
Source: AFP, AP, dpa
So What
It seems highly likely that both sides in this conflict were seeking an off-ramp that would allow them to save face, claim victory for their domestic audiences, and end the conflict. Additionally, while the current border location is disputed, Cambodia was almost certainly outmatched militarily and was in no position to push Thailand out of the disputed areas. Similarly, Thailand was highly unlikely to be willing to take more land from Cambodia, a move that would likely result in international condemnation.
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