What's happened
On July 28, 2025, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire after five days of deadly border clashes that killed at least 36 people and displaced over 270,000. The agreement was brokered in Malaysia by ASEAN chair Anwar Ibrahim, with US and Chinese diplomats present. Military talks and border committee meetings are planned to sustain peace.
What's behind the headline?
Ceasefire as a Strategic Pivot
The ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia marks a critical turning point in a conflict that has destabilized the region and displaced hundreds of thousands. While the immediate cessation of hostilities will alleviate humanitarian suffering, the underlying territorial dispute rooted in colonial-era ambiguities remains unresolved.
Regional and Global Stakes
ASEAN's role, led by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, underscores the bloc's interest in maintaining regional stability. The presence of US and Chinese diplomats highlights the geopolitical significance, with both powers seeking influence in Southeast Asia. US President Donald Trump's direct intervention, linking trade deals to peace, demonstrates economic leverage as a tool for conflict resolution.
Challenges Ahead
Skepticism remains, particularly from Thailand's leadership questioning Cambodia's sincerity. Continued skirmishes reported even as talks concluded suggest fragile trust. The planned meetings of military commanders and the General Border Committee will be decisive in implementing and verifying the ceasefire.
Forecast
The ceasefire will likely hold if both sides commit to the detailed mechanisms under development. However, without addressing the root causes—border demarcation and sovereignty claims—tensions could resurface. The international community's involvement, especially ASEAN's mediation and US-China engagement, will be pivotal in sustaining peace and encouraging diplomatic dialogue.
Impact on Civilians
For the displaced populations, the ceasefire offers hope for return and recovery. The humanitarian imperative will pressure both governments to maintain peace and rebuild trust. The conflict's resolution will also influence regional economic prospects, particularly regarding US trade tariffs contingent on peace.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reported that the ceasefire was agreed upon after five days of fighting that killed at least 36 people and displaced over 270,000, with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim calling it an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire (Al Jazeera Staff, 28 Jul 2025). The New York Post highlighted the role of US President Donald Trump, who warned that trade deals would be withheld unless fighting ceased, noting that both leaders expressed willingness to negotiate after his calls (Associated Press, 28 Jul 2025). SBS emphasized the historical context, describing the dispute as the deadliest flare-up since 2008-2011 and noting ongoing artillery fire even as the ceasefire was announced (SBS, 28 Jul 2025). The Independent underscored ASEAN's rare involvement in mediating open military conflict between member states and mentioned the Pope's prayers for affected civilians (The Independent, 28 Jul 2025). Al Jazeera's earlier coverage detailed the ongoing clashes and mutual accusations of aggression, with both sides deploying heavy weapons and troops near disputed temples (Al Jazeera, 28 Jul 2025). Bloomberg and The Japan Times focused on the scheduled talks facilitated by Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim, highlighting the diplomatic efforts underway (Bloomberg, 27-28 Jul 2025; Patpicha Tanakasempipat, 28 Jul 2025). These sources collectively illustrate a complex interplay of regional diplomacy, international pressure, and deep-rooted territorial disputes shaping the ceasefire agreement.
How we got here
The conflict stems from a long-standing border dispute dating back to colonial-era maps, with tensions escalating since May 2025 after a Cambodian soldier's death. Sporadic violence has occurred since 2008, with recent clashes intensifying over contested temple sites. Both countries have evacuated hundreds of thousands amid artillery and rocket exchanges.
Go deeper
- What caused the recent Thailand-Cambodia border conflict?
- How is ASEAN involved in resolving the dispute?
- What role did the US and China play in the ceasefire talks?
Common question
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Why Are Thailand and Cambodia Fighting?
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated into border clashes, leading to casualties and displacement. Many wonder what sparked this conflict and what the future holds. Below, we explore the reasons behind the fighting, the recent ceasefire, and what role regional and international players are playing to restore peace.
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Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand and formerly known as Siam, is a country in Southeast Asia. Located at the centre of the Indochinese Peninsula, it is composed of 76 provinces, and covers an area of 513,120 square kilometres, and a population
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Cambodia, officially the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina peninsula in Southeast Asia.
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Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim is a Malaysian politician who has twice served as the 12th and 16th Leader of the Opposition since May 2020 and from August 2008 to March 2015.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Hun Manet (born 20 October 1977) is a Cambodian politician and military officer who has served as Prime Minister of Cambodia and Vice President of the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) since 2023. He is the second child of Senate president and former.
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Phumtham Wechayachai (Thai: ภูมิธรรม เวชยชัย, RTGS: Phumtham Wetchayachai, pronounced [pʰūːm.tʰām wêːt.tɕʰá.já.tɕʰāj]; born 5 December 1953) is a Thai politician who served as the acting Prime Minister of Thail