Border disputes abate; commanders confirm truce and halt troop movement.
In a significant development, both Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following intense fighting that erupted on July 24, 2025. The conflict, rooted in a long-standing territorial dispute over ancient temples, has escalated political tensions and caused significant economic and humanitarian impacts.
The clashes, which involved gunfire, artillery, rockets, and Thai airstrikes targeting Cambodian positions, affected civilian areas and infrastructure on both sides, including hospitals and schools. The escalation of the conflict was exacerbated by diplomatic tensions, with each country recalling ambassadors and accusations exchanged about land mines and battlefield actions.
The political dynamics worsened due to internal turmoil in Thailand, including the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra after a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s Hun Sen stirred controversy. ASEAN, chaired by Malaysia at the time, called for an immediate ceasefire, and the United Nations Security Council also held an emergency session. The United States announced that both sides agreed to work toward a ceasefire on July 26, and talks held in Kuala Lumpur on July 28 resulted in a declaration of the ceasefire.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, tensions and underlying disputes remain unresolved. The fighting's consequences have led to economic harm, including disruption to tourism, trade, displacement of families, and migration effects. Cambodia has imposed bans on Thai imports of fruits, vegetables, telecoms, and energy, worsening economic impacts on border communities.
The geopolitical stakes involve ASEAN unity, regional stability, and influence from external powers such as China and the U.S., which have expressed concern and urged restraint. Both sides have agreed to refrain from troop movements to reduce suspicion and maintain stability while awaiting the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting on August 4.
The Royal Thai Army has confirmed that clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border have ceased. Trilateral military discussions were held on Tuesday, July 29, at 10am across the three key zones. Commanders at all levels have been authorized to communicate directly in case of urgent situations. The talks at the permanent Khlong Luek border checkpoint in Aranyapratet district, Sa Kaeo province, were led by the commander of Thailand's First Army Region.
Japan has welcomed the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire, and the Thai Cabinet has ordered troop presence and is prepared to alert China and the US over any ceasefire breach. A mutual agreement by military commanders in all three key border zones has been reached to enforce a ceasefire and halt troop movements ahead of the GBC meeting. Military chiefs consulted before agreeing to the ceasefire terms, as confirmed by military official Natthapon.
While the ceasefire is a step towards peace, the conflict remains a serious political and economic challenge with deep historical roots. Both sides continue to navigate a delicate peace process supported by ASEAN and international mediation.
- The prolonged conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, rooted in territorial disputes and intensified by political tensions, has also affected their respective businesses by disrupting tourism and trade.
- The ceasefire agreement, while a positive development, has not resolved the underlying political and economic challenges related to war-and-conflicts and general news, as both countries continue to navigate a delicate peace process supported by international mediation.
