The ceasefire in Cambodia appears to be held as villagers return home – Country
The ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia appears to be held on Tuesday despite U.S. economic pressure, despite continued decline in tensions
The ceasefire arriving in Malaysia should take effect at midnight, but has been quickly tested. Thai troops accused Cambodia of launching attacks in multiple areas earlier on Tuesday, but Cambodia said no fire was opened anywhere.
The Thai army later said that the battle had stopped after the meeting between the military commanders on both sides along the border. Army spokesman Major Winthai Suvaree said they agreed to stop the troops’ movements before the Joint Border Commission meeting in Cambodia on August 4, avoid escalation and establish a coordination team.
Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha said he spoke with his Thai counterparts about the “events” that occurred during the ceasefire, but stressed that Cambodian troops comply with the armistice. He said Cambodian defense officials will lead delegations of diplomats, foreign military armed personnel and others to observe the situation.
The Thai government said it had filed complaints to Malaysia, the United States and China about Cambodia’s alleged violation of the ceasefire agreement.
Along the border, there are some signs of peace among more than 260,000 people who have been displaced from their return home.
The agreement was reached under pressure from the United States
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai agreed on Monday to stop “unconditional” in the fight, killing at least 41 people.
The meeting was chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and served as the annual chairman of the Southeast Asian Nations Association. He called the ceasefire a “important first step towards downgrading and restoring peace and security.”
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States appreciates the Ceasefire Declaration. “President (Donald) Trump and I are committed to stopping violence immediately and expect the Cambodian and Thai governments to fully respect them to end the conflict,” Rubio said in a statement.
Hun Manet said on Tuesday that Trump had called for congratulations on the peace. He posted on social media that Trump promised to join Malaysia in the monitoring process to ensure the ceasefire was implemented.
Trump also called Phumtham after returning to Bangkok. Pumutum said Trump told him that negotiations between Thailand and Washington on the level of tariffs on Thai exports could now continue and he would seek to make it as popular as possible.
A few days before the ceasefire, the United States is expected to announce a new trade tariff decision. Cambodia and Thailand are both the worst hit countries, with tariffs on goods from both countries at 36%.
Trump warned that if hostilities continue, the United States may not reach a deal with any country, giving both sides a defense justification to avoid stopping the conflict.
Residents along long-term borders are wary
In the past, Cambodia and Thailand clashed on their 800km (500 miles) border. The battle began Thursday after a mine explosion along the border injured five Thai soldiers. Tensions have been growing since May a Cambodian soldier has been ripped off diplomatic rifts and deceived Thailand’s domestic politics.
Residents on both sides of the border expressed relief to the ceasefire, but remained vigilant and were uncertain how long the peace would last.
“I was very worried that new battles might break out. Thailand often caused the battle first, but later blamed Cambodia. Their purpose was that they wanted to occupy our temples (along the border). I really didn’t want to see any new battles happen.” Soklang Slay said a fierce battle took place when he helped his daughter move back to his home in Oddar Bend Province, Cambodia.
When the battle begins, Soklang Slay and his family dug up a bunker to protect themselves from artillery forces, but explodes the next day.
In Thailand’s Surin province, village chief Kritsada Jindasri said he heard heavy shots and explosions before midnight silence on Monday night.
“We are still cautious. We still don’t fully believe (this will stop). We are still waiting to assess the situation,” said Gizada, who stayed with 60 other community leaders after evacuating about 400 villagers last week.
His brother Jirayu Jindasri returns home after seeking asylum with his relatives. “I’m still uncomfortable because they just announced it on the first day. I’m not confident. If it explodes again, I have to go.”
Analysts say the ceasefire remains weak and politically complex.
Kokthay Eng, a researcher in Cambodia’s history, politics and international relations, said Trump’s trade leverage and strong-man mentality have helped save the people of Thailand and Cambodia from further bleeding. But he warned that the ceasefire may not continue if the Thai government fails to ensure the reduction of U.S. tariffs.
“This is risky and requires clear markings to build traction,” said Bridget Welsh, a Southeast Asian political expert. “A proper border investigation should begin immediately. Now, this is due to unresolved because the root causes of the conflict are yet to be resolved.”
–Sopheng Cheang reported on Samrong, Cambodia. Associated Press writer Eileen NG is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul and Grant Peck of Bangkok, Anton L. Delgado of Samrong contributed to the report.
& Copy 2025 Canadian Press
