Thailand, Cambodia agree on ceasefire in Malaysia talks

Thailand and Cambodia have reached a ceasefire agreement following negotiations in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, aimed at easing tensions along their shared border.

The announcement was made after an extraordinary meeting of the Joint Border Committee, Caliber.Az reports per Chinese media.

Cambodian representatives said the talks resulted in agreements to establish a regional monitoring mechanism, rebuild mutual trust, and ensure that captured soldiers are treated in line with international humanitarian law.

The Thai delegation confirmed that the accord includes the creation of a bilateral framework to address disputes and provisions for ASEAN member states to observe the implementation of the ceasefire.

Thailand and Cambodia have long experienced tensions over their shared border, particularly around the Preah Vihear Temple area, a UNESCO World Heritage site claimed by both countries.

Periodic clashes between their military forces have escalated into violent confrontations since the early 2000s. The conflict intensified in recent years due to nationalist rhetoric and territorial disputes, resulting in casualties on both sides and the displacement of local communities.

In late May 2025, tensions flared after a skirmish in the disputed Emerald Triangle led to the death of a Cambodian soldier, reigniting the long-standing Preah Vihear border dispute.

The conflict escalated sharply in July, with intense fighting near Ta Muen Thom and Preah Vihear temples—the worst in over a decade. The clashes involved artillery, rockets, airstrikes, and drones, resulting in at least 30–40 deaths, hundreds injured, and over 300,000 civilians displaced.

Diplomatic relations worsened as Thailand closed its borders and recalled its ambassador, while Cambodia called for UN Security Council intervention.

A ceasefire was brokered on July 28 in Kuala Lumpur under ASEAN mediation and declared immediate and unconditional. Both sides agreed to deploy ASEAN observers to monitor the truce, though tensions persist over detained Cambodian soldiers.

Cambodia has nominated U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, crediting his diplomatic efforts in helping secure the ceasefire.

By Aghakazim Guliyev