KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to extend a fragile peace agreement after deadly fighting broke out along their border last month. The decision comes after five days of intense violence that left at least 43 people dead and forced over 300,000 people to flee their homes.
How the Fighting Started
The violence began when a long-standing dispute over several ancient temples along the Thailand–Cambodia border turned into heavy clashes. The temples are claimed by both countries because of unclear borders set back in 1907 when Cambodia was under French rule.
This conflict became the worst fighting in the area in more than 10 years.
Who Helped Stop the Fighting
The truce was made possible through Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who stepped in as the ASEAN regional bloc chair. He was supported by US President Donald Trump and a Chinese mediation team, who pushed both sides to agree to stop shooting.
What the Ceasefire Says
During three days of talks in Kuala Lumpur, officials from both countries signed a joint statement promising:
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No use of any type of weapon against civilians, civilian areas, or military targets.
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No troop movements or patrols along the shared 800-kilometer border.
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No spreading of false information or fake news that could cause more tension.
Thai Deputy Defense Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit and Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha both signed the agreement.
“We are here for a detailed ceasefire arrangement to stop bloodshed and suffering,” Tea Seiha told reporters.
“These steps will save lives and help rebuild trust between our countries.”
Still a Fragile Peace
Even after the first truce, both sides accused each other of breaking the deal during its early days, with small skirmishes still happening. But overall, fighting has greatly decreased.
Another meeting between the two countries is planned within one month to continue peace talks.
The International Response
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the talks “an important step forward” and said the US expects both governments to fully honor their commitments.
US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan, who was at the meeting, warned that tensions are still high and that both sides need to make sure their soldiers truly follow the orders to keep the peace.
This agreement gives hope that Thailand and Cambodia can avoid another deadly conflict, but leaders admit that trust is fragile and peace will take hard work from both sides.
