After five days of intense cross-border fighting, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, set to take effect at midnight Monday (July 29). The breakthrough deal was reached during emergency peace talks hosted in Putrajaya, Malaysia, under the mediation of ASEAN Chair Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai both attended the high-level dialogue, joined by ambassadors from the United States and China, who served as co-facilitators. According to officials, U.S. President Donald Trump played a pivotal role behind the scenes, pressuring both sides to end hostilities by linking peace to future trade opportunities. Under Trump’s reciprocal tariff regime, both Thailand and Cambodia are currently facing 36% export tariffs to the U.S., set to be reviewed in August.
The border violence, which erupted on July 24 near the disputed ancient temples of Prasat Ta Muen Thom and Ta Moan, resulted in dozens of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands. Diplomatic relations between the two neighbours had collapsed entirely by the time peace efforts began.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar hailed the ceasefire as a diplomatic success. “This is a vital first step toward de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security in the region. ASEAN stands ready to monitor the ceasefire and ensure its full implementation,” he said.
Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed gratitude for international mediation and highlighted the importance of continued oversight. “This ceasefire is not only the result of regional cooperation but also of global commitment to peace. President Trump’s direct involvement was crucial,” he stated. He also acknowledged China's supportive role in the process, reinforcing its interest in regional stability.
Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai affirmed his government's commitment to peace, despite earlier skepticism. “This agreement reflects Thailand’s sincere desire for a peaceful solution. We will uphold the truce with full responsibility,” he said. He confirmed a personal congratulatory call from Trump, suggesting that trade talks with the U.S. may now resume on better terms.
Military officials from both countries are scheduled to meet on July 29 to arrange immediate de-escalation protocols. Cambodia will host a border committee meeting on August 4. Foreign and defense ministers from all three nations—Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand—will jointly develop a monitoring framework.
This agreement marks a significant moment for ASEAN diplomacy, demonstrating the regional bloc’s capacity to defuse conflicts through mediation. It also underscores how multilateral diplomacy—bolstered by global power involvement—can influence even the most entrenched bilateral disputes.
The success of this ceasefire could set a precedent for future conflict resolution efforts in Southeast Asia, where territorial and historical grievances continue to simmer.
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