Lasting Truce?

Deadly border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia triggered a swift global response, culminating in an 'immediate and unconditional' ceasefire—upholding of which is vital for regional peace

- SHANTANU MUKHARJI

In a swift move, ostensibly under pressure from US President Donald Trump, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim disclosed that Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire in an effort to resolve deadly border clashes. Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet met on July 28 for ceasefire talks at Anwar's official residence in Malaysia's administrative capital, Putrajaya. The Malaysian Prime Minister later claimed that it was a very positive development and that the results would certainly augur well for Cambodia and Thailand. The talks between the two warring Southeast Asian countries, hosted by Anwar, were aimed at halting fighting over a border standoff that had taken 35 lives and displaced more than 270,000 from both sides.

Anwar Ibrahim further disclosed that US President Donald Trump and China's leaders were in close contact with the parties from the contesting countries, as well as Malaysia, to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. This seems a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security, according to analysts. Hun Manet from Cambodia said he had a very good meeting and a very good result, as they hoped to stop the bloody fighting immediately. He also praised Trump's "decisive" role in paving the way for the talks and the ceasefire, adding that he hopes the agreement will lead to the "rebuilding of trust and confidence" between his country and neighboring Thailand. Later, the US President celebrated the agreement in a social media post. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also urged all parties to "follow through on their commitments" in a statement on July 28. Further, the presence of the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia at the talks proved extremely crucial to the positive outcome.