Thailand, Cambodia Declare Ceasefire After Deadly Border Clashes

Accord brokered amid international pressure to end hostilities

A fragile peace has been declared along the Thai-Cambodian border following days of intense conflict that claimed dozens of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands. The “immediate and unconditional ceasefire,” announced Monday, aims to halt the escalating violence that has drawn international concern.

Ceasefire Takes Effect Amid Diplomatic Efforts

The agreement, brokered with the assistance of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, is set to begin at midnight local time. The announcement came after high-level talks involving Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai in Malaysia.

Travel Advisories Issued Amidst Escalating Tensions

The U.S. State Department has issued travel advisories for both nations due to the intensified fighting. Areas within 50 kilometers of the shared border have been designated “Level 4: Do Not Travel” due to reports of rocket and artillery fire, which have resulted in civilian casualties.

Elsewhere in Thailand and Cambodia, the advisory level has been raised to “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” because of potential unrest.

Historical Border Disputes Fuel Recent Conflict

The current hostilities stem from a long-standing territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, which has seen intermittent clashes, notably over the ancient Hindu temple of Preah Vihear. Tensions surged in May following an exchange of fire that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.

The situation worsened earlier this month after a mine explosion on the border killed five Thai soldiers. Both nations have accused each other of initiating the recent escalation, with Thailand alleging Cambodian rocket fire into civilian areas and Cambodia asserting that Thai forces fired first.

The recent conflict has tragically claimed the lives of at least 35 people and forced over 260,000 to flee their homes. As of July 2025, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that over 40,000 people were displaced in Cambodia alone due to the fighting.

Path Forward: Military Meetings and Future Talks

The ceasefire agreement reached in Malaysia includes plans for military leaders from both nations to meet on Tuesday. Should this meeting prove productive, further discussions are scheduled to take place in Malaysia and subsequently in Cambodia on August 4.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed hope that the talks would “stop immediately the fighting that have caused many lives lost, injuries, and also caused a lot of displacement of people.”

Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai reported that U.S. President Donald Trump had called to congratulate them on the ceasefire, thanking him for his “important role.” President Trump had previously contacted both leaders, reportedly warning of potential trade deal repercussions if the conflict persisted.

The United States applauds the ceasefire declaration between Cambodia and Thailand announced today in Kuala Lumpur. President Trump and I are committed to an immediate cessation of violence and expect the governments of Cambodia and Thailand to fully honor their commitments to end this conflict. — Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) July 28, 2025

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this commitment, stating, “President Trump and I are committed to an immediate cessation of violence and expect the governments of Cambodia and Thailand to fully honor their commitments to end this conflict.”