SURIN, Thailand. A ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia remained intact Tuesday despite sporadic reports of renewed skirmishes along their disputed border, as international pressure, particularly from the United States, pushed both nations toward de-escalation.
The truce, brokered in Malaysia, was scheduled to take effect at midnight Monday following days of deadly clashes that have killed at least 41 people and displaced more than 260,000 residents. But tensions flared early Tuesday when Thailand accused Cambodia of fresh attacks, which Cambodia denied.
Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap said fighting resumed in the disputed Phu Makhuea mountain area in Sisaket province. “The Thai military is currently responding and controlling the situation,” he said in a statement to reporters.
Military officials on both sides later held emergency talks along the border and agreed to halt troop movements and establish coordination teams ahead of a joint border committee meeting in Cambodia on August 4, according to Thai army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree.
Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha acknowledged “incidents” during the truce’s implementation but insisted Cambodian forces were observing the ceasefire. He said Cambodian officials would lead foreign diplomats and military attachés to assess the situation.
Thailand also lodged formal complaints with Malaysia, the U.S., and China, accusing Cambodia of violating the ceasefire agreement.
Despite scattered hostilities, signs of calm returned to some affected areas as displaced families began returning home. “I really don’t want to see any new fighting happen,” said Soklang Slay, a resident of Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchay province, who had fled with his family after building a makeshift bunker.
Residents on the Thai side shared similar sentiments. “We are still cautious. We still don’t totally believe it will stop,” said Kritsada Jindasri, village chief of a border community in Surin province.
The ceasefire followed a high-level meeting in Kuala Lumpur hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the current ASEAN chair. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai pledged to halt all military activity unconditionally.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the truce and said the U.S. expected both governments to honor their commitments. “President Trump and I are committed to an immediate cessation of violence,” Rubio said in a statement.
Hun Manet later said Trump called to congratulate him and assured U.S. participation in monitoring the truce, alongside Malaysia. Trump also spoke with Phumtham and reportedly hinted that trade negotiations with Thailand could now resume, with tariff reductions under consideration.
The ceasefire comes just days ahead of the U.S. announcement on new tariffs. Both Cambodia and Thailand have been affected by a 36% U.S. import tariff, set to take effect Friday. Trump had previously warned that trade talks could collapse if fighting continued.
Analysts remain skeptical about the long-term stability of the ceasefire. “It is risky and will require clear markers to build traction,” said Bridget Welsh, a Southeast Asia political expert. “A proper border survey should begin immediately. Right now, it’s on pause because the roots of the conflict have yet to be addressed.”
The conflict reignited Thursday after a land mine explosion wounded five Thai soldiers. The two countries have long disputed parts of their 800-kilometer border, especially areas around ancient temples. Tensions had also risen in May after a Cambodian soldier was killed during a separate incident.
Despite cautious optimism, residents and observers agree that a lasting resolution will depend on political will and effective international oversight.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
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