A truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia has officially taken effect, marking a significant step towards peace in the region.
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Following five days of intense fighting, the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand reached an agreement for a ceasefire that went into effect at midnight local time (6 PM Irish time). This development comes as both nations seek to resolve the deadliest conflict they’ve experienced in over a decade.
The recent violence has been the most severe since clashes occurred sporadically from 2008 to 2011, largely over a territorial dispute stemming from an ambiguous demarcation established by Cambodia’s French colonial administrators in 1907. As Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet aptly noted, “Our commitment to peace must be unwavering, as it shapes the future of our nations.”
The peace agreement stipulates that military commanders from both countries will convene at 7 AM local time (12 AM Irish time) before a cross-border committee meets in Cambodia on August 4 to further alleviate tensions.
During a press conference alongside the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim declared, “There will be an immediate and unconditional ceasefire effective from midnight tonight. This is final.” His words emphasized the urgency and commitment both sides have towards restoring peace.
In the days leading up to the agreement, both nations accused each other of initiating hostilities, which escalated to heavy artillery bombardments and air strikes along their 817 km border. Prime Minister Anwar had suggested ceasefire talks shortly after the conflict erupted, with both China and the United States extending offers to assist in the negotiations.
A spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres shared, “We urge both countries to respect the agreement fully and create an environment conducive to addressing long-standing issues and achieving lasting peace.” Such sentiments resonate deeply in the context of international diplomatic efforts.
Interestingly, both Thailand and Cambodia have been courting U.S. President Donald Trump for trade deals amidst his looming threat of substantial tariffs. The U.S. State Department confirmed that its officials have been present “on the ground” to facilitate peace talks. This reflects the global stakes involved in the conflict.
In a joint statement, it was noted that China played an “active role” in the discussions, hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya, Malaysia’s administrative capital. Cambodia’s Prime Minister praised President Trump’s “decisive” support, while the acting Prime Minister of Thailand, Phumtham Wechayachai, stressed that the truce must be executed “in good faith by both sides.”
As thoughts turn toward hope for peace among citizens, Thai evacuee Prapakarn Samruamjit in the city of Surin expressed a poignant reminder: “If they say they’ll stop firing, they must stop completely.” This underscores the human aspect at the heart of these negotiations, where lives and futures are profoundly affected.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
