Borderskirmishes continue between Cambodia and Thailand, despite efforts for a truce.
Border Conflict Between Thailand and Cambodia Temporarily Paused Following Ceasefire Agreement
As of July 28, 2025, an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire" has been declared between Thailand and Cambodia following intense fighting that began on July 24, 2025[1][2]. The conflict, which involved heavy military engagements with artillery, rockets, and air strikes, affected civilian areas and resulted in the deaths of 32 people and the displacement of over 200,000 people[1][2][3].
The ceasefire was reached under international pressure, including calls from ASEAN and the United Nations Security Council, and was announced despite some fighting persisting before it fully took effect[1][2]. Both countries agreed to attend the peace talks, which resulted in this ceasefire declaration[1][2].
However, the durability of the ceasefire is uncertain due to longstanding border disputes, mutual distrust, nationalist politics, and complex political dynamics involving prominent political families in both countries[4]. Lasting peace is expected to require continued dialogue, third-party arbitration, and border demarcation, but Thailand's refusal to submit to International Court of Justice jurisdiction complicates this prospect[4].
In response to the renewed violence, Thailand's Foreign Ministry blamed Cambodia for targeting civilians in the Surin border province[5]. The meeting between Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet for peace talks will be hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the current ASEAN chair[6].
Over 80,000 people have been relocated to safer areas due to the ongoing conflict[7]. At a Sunday press conference, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed his support for the ceasefire and willingness to hold talks[8]. The location of the peace talks has been confirmed as Malaysia[6].
The peace talks are being held in an attempt to resolve ongoing violence between Thailand and Cambodia along their shared border, which has its roots in decades-long border disputes[9]. Despite the ceasefire, the situation remains fragile with high tensions and unresolved underlying issues[1][2][4].
[1] BBC News. (2025). Thailand-Cambodia border conflict: Ceasefire agreed after clashes. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-61346549
[2] Reuters. (2025). Thailand and Cambodia agree to ceasefire after border clashes. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-cambodia-agree-ceasefire-after-border-clashes-2025-07-28/
[3] Al Jazeera. (2025). Thousands flee as Thailand-Cambodia border clashes escalate. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/28/thousands-flee-as-thailand-cambodia-border-clashes-escalate
[4] The Diplomat. (2025). The Uncertain Future of the Thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire. Retrieved from https://thediplomat.com/2025/07/the-uncertain-future-of-the-thailand-cambodia-ceasefire/
[5] The Nation. (2025). Thailand blames Cambodia for renewed border violence. Retrieved from https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404314
[6] The Star. (2025). Malaysia to host peace talks between Thailand and Cambodia. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com.my/news/aseanplus/2025/07/27/malaysia-to-host-peace-talks-between-thailand-and-cambodia
[7] The Phnom Penh Post. (2025). Over 80,000 people relocated due to border conflict. Retrieved from https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/over-80000-people-relocated-due-border-conflict
[8] Khmer Times. (2025). Hun Manet reaffirms support for ceasefire, willingness to hold talks. Retrieved from https://www.khmertimeskh.com/507995133/hun-manet-reaffirms-support-for-ceasefire-willingness-to-hold-talks/
[9] South China Morning Post. (2025). Thailand-Cambodia border conflict: A decades-long dispute. Retrieved from https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3149530/thailand-cambodia-border-conflict-decades-long-dispute
- The ceasefire agreement, though temporary, might offer a window for general-news discussions on the future of the Thailand-Cambodia relationship and resolving the decades-long border disputes.
- The entertainment industry could potentially present films or documentaries that delve into the history of the Thai-Cambodian border conflicts and their effects on the neighboring countries' citizens.
- ASEAN and the United Nations' intervention in the conflict highlights the importance of politics in regional peacekeeping efforts and international relations.
- As the situation remains fragile, science and technology could be used to propose alternative methods for border demarcation, reducing the chance of future war-and-conflicts and stabilizing the affected communities' business and economic growth.
