Thailand, Cambodia reach ceasefire deal after five-day conflict

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia,— Cambodia and Thailand have reached a ceasefire agreement following five days of intense border fighting, leaders from both nations confirmed Monday.

The truce, which takes effect at midnight, marks an attempt to halt the bloodiest episode between the two countries in more than a decade.

The decision came after urgent diplomatic talks hosted in Putrajaya by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Anwar announced the ceasefire during a joint news conference with Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.

“This ceasefire is immediate and unconditional. It will begin at midnight tonight,” Anwar said.

The two nations had exchanged blame over who initiated the conflict, which erupted along their 817-kilometer (508-mile) shared land border last Thursday.

Fighting involved artillery exchanges and reported Thai airstrikes, escalating the long-running border dispute into a full military confrontation.

The White House confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump called both leaders over the weekend, urging them to end hostilities. He warned that failure to stop the fighting could jeopardize trade agreements with Washington. China has also offered to support mediation efforts.

Tensions had been building since a Cambodian soldier was killed during a brief encounter in late May. That incident sparked troop movements and led to a surge in military presence along the contested border region.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet thanked both the U.S. and China for their involvement in bringing the parties to the table.

“We had a constructive dialogue today. The results offer hope to end the violence, save lives, and reduce displacement of civilians,” Hun Manet stated.

Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham expressed cautious optimism, noting previous skepticism over Cambodia’s intentions. “Thailand is committed to this ceasefire and expects both sides to act in good faith,” he said.

Both countries have agreed to resume direct communication and use this agreement as a platform for further de-escalation and normalization of relations.

(With files from Reuters)