Peace deal brokered under ASEAN leadership brings relief after days of violent escalation
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, <a title="Thailand" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/geo-politics/thailand-cambodia-agree-to-ceasefire-talks/17085" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Thailand</a> and <a title="Cambodia" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/international/tanks-roll-as-thai-cambodian-border-tensions-rise/16948" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cambodia</a> have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following five days of intense clashes along their disputed border. The agreement was reached on Monday evening during a high-level meeting hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, currently serving as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The meeting took place at Seri Perdana, the Malaysian Prime Minister&rsquo;s official residence, located just south of Kuala Lumpur. It brought together Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand&rsquo;s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who jointly pledged to halt all military hostilities by midnight local time.
The ceasefire comes after a sharp escalation of a long-standing territorial dispute. More than 35 people have lost their lives in the recent flare-up, and over 200 have been injured, according to figures provided by officials from both countries. Landmines, artillery, and aerial skirmishes had displaced an estimated 300,000 civilians&mdash;140,000 on the Cambodian side and 160,000 in Thailand.
Tensions boiled over after a Thai soldier sustained critical injuries in a landmine explosion last week. This triggered a series of retaliatory moves that saw both nations downgrade diplomatic ties&mdash;ambassadors were recalled, and senior envoys expelled. The situation threatened to spiral into a broader conflict in a region already on edge.
But Monday&rsquo;s emergency summit appears to have reversed that trajectory. Following the closed-door meeting, both leaders emerged expressing cautious optimism. Prime Minister Hun Manet stated, &ldquo;This agreement is a critical first step. The fighting must stop. We must begin rebuilding trust.&rdquo; His Thai counterpart described the agreement as being reached &ldquo;in good faith&rdquo; and a testament to ASEAN&rsquo;s ability to mediate within its own region.
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The ceasefire is also expected to lay the groundwork for de-escalation and eventual troop disengagement. Military commanders from both sides will hold technical-level talks on Tuesday, 29 July, to finalise protocols and monitor compliance along the sensitive border areas.
Malaysia&rsquo;s role as convener has been widely credited for bringing the two rivals to the negotiating table. Anwar Ibrahim&rsquo;s leadership, seen by many as pragmatic and steady, has helped restore confidence in ASEAN&rsquo;s often-criticised crisis-handling capacity.
Hun Manet acknowledged the contributions of not only Malaysia but also broader international support, including statements of concern and backing from both the United States and China. However, the Cambodian leader was clear in affirming that the resolution is &ldquo;an ASEAN-led effort.&rdquo;
The territorial dispute between Cambodia and Thailand dates back several decades, rooted in colonial-era demarcations and contested historical claims, particularly around temple complexes and resource-rich zones. While periodic skirmishes have occurred in the past, the latest round was one of the deadliest in recent memory.
For now, the guns have fallen silent. But the road to a lasting peace remains steep. The ceasefire, while welcome, is fragile&mdash;and will require vigilance, political will, and sustained regional cooperation to endure.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet  and Thai Acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai shake hands in Putrajaya, Malaysia

ASEAN-brokered peace deal halts deadly border fighting; Malaysia hosts key dialogue

Ceasefire Sealed in Thai-Cambodia Border Clash

ASEAN-brokered peace deal halts deadly border fighting; Malaysia hosts key dialogue

July 28, 2025 | 22:54 IST