Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Ceasefire?
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a ceasefire in their deadliest border clash in over a decade, following peace talks in Malaysia on Monday. The meeting, hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and backed by the US and China, resulted in a truce effective midnight local time.
This marked the first official dialogue between Thailand’s acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian PM Hun Manet since fresh fighting erupted on July 24, leaving at least 36 people dead and over 150,000 displaced along their 800-kilometer border.
US President Donald Trump played a key role in pushing both sides toward peace. He held separate phone calls with each leader and warned that no trade deals would be made unless fighting stopped. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed American diplomats were present in Malaysia to support the peace process, while China also sent envoys to join the talks.
Despite the ceasefire, key demands remain unresolved. Thailand insists on troop withdrawals and a bilateral mechanism, while Cambodia wants an unconditional halt to violence. The conflict stems from long-standing disputes over colonial-era maps defining their border.
While relations had stabilized after a deadly clash in 2011, renewed tensions have raised fears of wider conflict. With the involvement of ASEAN, the US, and China, hopes are rising for a long-term resolution and sustained peace in the region.(ayu)
Source: Newsmaker.id
