Cambodia And Thailand Agree To Immediate Ceasefire Amid Deadly Border Clashes

Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” starting at midnight local time (1 p.m. ET Monday), following days of intense clashes along their disputed border.

The truce was brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Anwar hosted urgent peace talks between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai at his official residence near Kuala Lumpur.

The decades-long border dispute escalated into open conflict in recent days, leaving at least 38 dead and over 200 injured, according to officials from both countries. Each side has accused the other of triggering the latest violence.

In a joint press conference, both leaders pledged an immediate end to hostilities. However, skirmishes persisted into Monday morning, just hours before the announcement. Cambodian officials reported that Thai forces struck two locations overnight, while the Thai military claimed ongoing fighting in three provinces.

Even after the ceasefire was declared, reports of gunfire continued. Dr. Moun Nara, head of an evacuation shelter on the Cambodian side, told CNN: “I still hear the sound of shooting… It’s not over yet. Let’s wait and see until midnight.”

The ceasefire deal was backed by both the United States and China, who played a role in the negotiations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the agreement and emphasized that the Trump administration expects both countries to fully uphold the truce. Rubio confirmed that U.S. State Department officials were present in Malaysia to support the talks.

President Donald Trump, who announced on Saturday that ceasefire negotiations were underway, had earlier warned both governments that the U.S. would suspend trade discussions if the conflict continued.

"This is an important step towards reducing tensions and restoring peace and security," Prime Minister Hun Manet said in a statement confirming the ceasefire. He expressed gratitude to Malaysia, China, and President Trump for their roles in helping to end the violence.