Cambodia, Thailand Agree to 'Unconditional Ceasefire' to De-escalate Border Conflict

Both sides need to pull out armies, accept monitoring to prevent more clashes

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KUALA LUMPUR — The leaders of Cambodia and Thailand agreed on July 28 to an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire" after five days of combat along their jungle-clad frontier that has killed at least 36 people.

Hundreds of thousands of people have fled as the two sides fired artillery, rockets, and guns in a battle over a long-disputed border area that is home to a smattering of ancient temples.

The flare-up was the deadliest since violence raged sporadically from 2008 to 2011 over the territory, claimed by both sides because of a vague demarcation made by Cambodia's French colonial administrators in 1907.

Reading a joint statement from the leaders of both countries and Malaysia after the peace talks, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the ceasefire would take effect on July 29.

"This is a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security," Datuk Seri Anwar said at a press conference in Malaysia's administrative capital Putrajaya, flanked by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.

He said a meeting of military commanders from both sides would take place early on July 29, before the countries' cross-border committee meets in Cambodia on Aug 4.

Mr. Anwar, who mediated the talks as Asean chair, said Malaysia and other members of Asean are ready to help monitor the ceasefire.

Both sides will need to agree to pull their armies, which have now been greatly reinforced, back from the border, and to accept some kind of independent monitoring to prevent further clashes, he said.