Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a ceasefire following recent border clashes, with regional commanders set to meet Tuesday morning to de-escalate tensions. The agreement, announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, also includes a meeting of the general border committee on August 4 and the resumption of direct communications between the prime ministers, foreign ministers, and defense ministers of both nations.
The dispute,rooted in colonial-era map disagreements,escalated in May when a brief exchange of fire killed a Cambodian soldier,leading to retaliatory measures. Last week, both countries recalled their ambassadors, and recent clashes involved rocket and artillery fire, as well as airstrikes. The crisis has been further elaborate by a personal feud between former cambodian leader Hun Sen and former Thai leader Thaksin shinawatra, fathers of the current leaders. Hun Sen recently leaked a phone call with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, highlighting the strained relationship between the two families who were once allies.
Experts caution that the ceasefire may be fragile, with underlying tensions remaining high and trust rebuilding efforts expected to be lengthy. China, which has meaningful economic ties to Thailand and is a close ally of Cambodia, is also involved in the situation.
