Return of Cambodian Military Personnel Following Thailand's Ceasefire Agreement
Thailand and Cambodia have been embroiled in a border dispute that has escalated into violent clashes, marking the worst fighting between the two nations in over a decade. The recent fighting has resulted in at least 43 deaths and displaced over 300,000 people.
Nationalist passions on both sides have further inflamed the situation, with both Thailand and Cambodia accusing each other of initiating the violence along the disputed border. The armed confrontation in May that killed a Cambodian soldier worsened relations between the two countries. The violence escalated into an exchange of gunfire, shelling, and rockets last week.
However, a glimmer of hope emerged on Monday as a truce was reached following a push from Malaysia and calls from US President Donald Trump. The unconditional ceasefire took effect at midnight on July 28, 2025, after mediation in Malaysia by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with involvement from U.S. and Chinese envoys.
Despite the ceasefire, it remains tenuous with mutual accusations of violations. Both Thailand and Cambodia continue to accuse each other of violating the ceasefire, reflecting deep-rooted nationalist and historical border disputes.
Following the initial ceasefire agreement, high-level meetings at the United Nations General Assembly and later informal talks in Shanghai hosted by China reaffirmed both sides’ commitment to ceasefire principles, but with ongoing tensions. Further discussions are scheduled to continue in Kuala Lumpur in August 2025 to address the border disputes in more detail.
In a positive development, Cambodia is actively engaging in negotiations to secure the release of its soldiers. Two Cambodian soldiers have been returned by Thailand, and the Cambodian defense ministry has asked Thailand to return all detained soldiers. Thailand is processing 18 Cambodian soldiers for immigration law violations.
As the situation unfolds, both countries have recalled their ambassadors, and Thailand has closed its border crossings with Cambodia. The White House announced that Thailand and Cambodia will now pay a 19% tariff for sending goods to the US, a decrease from the previous 36%.
In a surprising turn of events, Cambodia plans to nominate US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize due to his intervention in the conflict with Thailand. This nomination, if successful, would recognize Trump's efforts in mediating the ceasefire between the two nations.
As the nations work towards a peaceful resolution, the international community continues to play a crucial role in the mediation efforts, with Malaysia, the U.S., and China providing support to stabilize the situation and reach a longer-term resolution.
[1] The Straits Times. (2025, August 1). Ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia remains fragile amid accusations of violations. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/world/asia/ceasefire-between-thailand-and-cambodia-remains-fragile-amid-accusations-of-violations
[2] The Guardian. (2025, July 30). Ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia: what you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/30/ceasefire-between-thailand-and-cambodia-what-you-need-to-know
- Despite the truce, the war-and-conflicts along the Thai-Cambodian border continue to be a subject of general-news, as both countries accuse each other of violating the ceasefire, reflecting deep-rooted political tensions.
- The recent ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, brokered by Malaysia and the US, has been met with positive developments, such as the nomination of US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize by Cambodia, in recognition of his efforts in mediating the conflict.
