A fragile ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia appeared to hold on Tuesday, even as tensions simmered following recent deadly clashes along the border. The truce, brokered under U.S. pressure, was aimed at stopping violence that has displaced hundreds of thousands.
The agreement, reached in Malaysia, officially began at midnight, but was immediately challenged by accusations. The Thai military claimed Cambodia launched new attacks early Tuesday, while Cambodian officials denied any violations. Later, Thai military spokespeople confirmed hostilities had ceased after commanders from both sides held talks. They agreed to freeze troop movements, prevent escalation, and create coordination teams ahead of a joint border meeting on August 4 in Cambodia.
Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha acknowledged some “incidents” during the ceasefire’s rollout but emphasized that Cambodian forces had respected the deal. He said Cambodia would invite international observers, including diplomats and military attachés, to monitor the situation.
Meanwhile, Thailand formally protested Cambodia’s alleged violations to Malaysia, the U.S., and China.
Despite the tension, calm has returned to parts of the border, with many of the 260,000 people displaced by the conflict starting to go back home.
The ceasefire followed a meeting on Monday between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, during which they agreed to end fighting unconditionally. The meeting, hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as ASEAN chair, was hailed as a key step toward peace.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the truce, stating that both nations must fully commit to ending the violence. Hun Manet said former President Donald Trump called to express support and promised U.S. involvement in monitoring the ceasefire alongside Malaysia.
Trump also called Phumtham upon his return to Bangkok, offering to advance trade negotiations with Thailand. The ceasefire comes just days before the U.S. is expected to announce new tariff decisions. Both Cambodia and Thailand have been heavily affected by tariffs stemming from Trump’s trade policies, with 36% duties on exports set to begin Friday. Trump previously warned that trade talks would be halted if fighting continued, adding pressure on both governments to agree to peace.
Border Residents Still Anxious
Though the ceasefire has brought temporary calm, those living along the long-disputed 800-kilometer (500-mile) border remain cautious. Fighting broke out last Thursday after a landmine wounded five Thai soldiers. Tensions had been escalating since May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed in an earlier incident.
In Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchay province, resident Soklang Slay expressed concern about future violence, blaming Thailand for initiating conflict and accusing them of trying to seize ancient border temples. His family had built a bunker but fled after intense shelling.
In Thailand’s Surin province, village chief Kritsada Jindasri reported hearing heavy gunfire before the ceasefire took effect. “We’re still on edge. It’s too early to trust that it will hold,” he said. His brother, who recently returned home, echoed the sentiment: “I don’t feel safe yet. If the fighting resumes, I’ll leave again.”
Experts Warn Peace Is Fragile
Analysts say the ceasefire is delicate and heavily influenced by geopolitical and economic pressures. Cambodian political researcher Kokthay Eng credited Trump’s use of trade leverage for helping de-escalate the crisis but warned that long-term peace depends on broader reforms, including U.S. tariff relief.
Bridget Welsh, a Southeast Asian political expert, added that while the truce offers a break in violence, the core issues remain unresolved. She stressed the need for an official border demarcation process to prevent future conflict.
“It’s just a pause,” she said. “Unless the underlying tensions are addressed, peace won’t last.”