Diplomatic discussions kick off in Malaysia between Cambodia and Thailand, aimed at securing a tenuous truce
Last Monday, following five days of border clashes that were the worst in over a decade, Thailand and Cambodia reached a ceasefire in Malaysia [1]. The agreement was facilitated by the United States and China, and preliminary talks between defense officials from both countries began the same day [2].
The ceasefire, now holding for a week, was formalized into a 13-point agreement on August 7, 2025 [3]. Key points of the agreement include a complete and unconditional ceasefire, a freeze on troop movements and reinforcements, a commitment to refrain from provocations, and the establishment of a bilateral rapid coordination team for communication and immediate conflict resolution [2][3].
The agreement also promises the safe return of displaced civilians and proper treatment of captured soldiers following international law [2][3]. Since the ceasefire came into effect, there have been no reported violations or fresh reinforcements [1][3][4]. Both sides agreed not to move troops or patrol towards the other side’s positions to maintain stability [1][3][4].
ASEAN-led observers are expected to monitor and enforce the ceasefire to ensure its durability [1]. The meeting between the ministers of defense of both countries, scheduled for this Thursday, will discuss maintaining the ceasefire [1].
Cambodia has demanded that Thailand releases 18 of its captured soldiers as soon as possible [5]. However, Thailand conditions the release of the captured soldiers on "a complete cessation of the armed conflict, not just a ceasefire" [5].
Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, a Thai military official, reported that Cambodia is replacing personnel lost in each area [6]. The Cambodia defense ministry accuses Thailand of violating the ceasefire agreement by using excavators and laying barbed wire in a contested border area [7].
Despite these challenges, the current status is that Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to extend and formalize a ceasefire along their disputed border [1][2][3][4]. The agreement, backed by regional and international facilitation and monitoring, aims to prevent renewed fighting or troop escalations [1][2][4].
References:
[1] BBC News. (2025, August 8). Thailand and Cambodia agree to extend border ceasefire. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-62613254
[2] Reuters. (2025, August 8). Thailand, Cambodia agree to extend border ceasefire. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-cambodia-agree-extend-border-ceasefire-2025-08-08/
[3] The Straits Times. (2025, August 8). Thailand, Cambodia sign 13-point ceasefire agreement to end border clashes. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/thailand-cambodia-sign-13-point-ceasefire-agreement-to-end-border-clashes
[4] The Diplomat. (2025, August 8). Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Extend Ceasefire Along Disputed Border. Retrieved from https://thediplomat.com/2025/08/thailand-and-cambodia-agree-to-extend-ceasefire-along-disputed-border/
[5] Associated Press. (2025, August 10). Thailand, Cambodia stand firm on conditions for prisoner release. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/asia-cambodia-thailand-prisoners-of-war-44b3409a735579f5833e78e23a05f86c
[6] Bangkok Post. (2025, August 11). Thailand maintains position, says captive soldiers well-treated. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2165203/thailand-maintains-position-says-captive-soldiers-well-treated
[7] Phnom Penh Post. (2025, August 12). Cambodia accuses Thailand of violating ceasefire agreement. Retrieved from https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/cambodia-accuses-thailand-violating-ceasefire-agreement
- World news outlets have reported that Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to formalize and extend their ceasefire along their disputed border, which was first agreed upon following five days of border clashes that were the worst in over a decade.
- The Art of diplomacy has played a significant role in maintaining the ceasefire, with regional and international facilitation and monitoring aimed at preventing renewed fighting or troop escalations.
- Amidst the general news about the ceasefire, the issue of captured soldiers has been a point of contention, with Cambodia demanding the immediate release of its captured soldiers, while Thailand has set conditions for the release based on a complete cessation of the armed conflict.
