URGENT UPDATE: Cambodia and Thailand have just announced a ceasefire after five days of intense fighting that has resulted in at least 35 deaths, including innocent civilians, and displaced over 100,000 people on both sides of the disputed border.
This breakthrough came after a high-stakes meeting in Malaysia on September 25, 2023, where Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai convened face-to-face with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, chair of ASEAN. The leaders secured an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire following urgent diplomatic pressure from US President Donald Trump, who warned that ongoing hostilities could jeopardize trade negotiations.
As fighting raged on Monday, both nations accused each other of escalating the conflict. The clashes erupted on September 21, following a two-month buildup of tensions stemming from a border skirmish on May 28, which left a Cambodian soldier dead. Thailand has claimed that Cambodia violated the Geneva Conventions by targeting civilian areas with heavy artillery, resulting in tragic casualties, including children. Cambodia vehemently denies these allegations and has accused Thailand of deploying illegal cluster munitions, a claim Thailand has dismissed.
The ongoing territorial dispute, rooted in colonial-era mapping, revolves around the ownership of ancient temples and strategic locations along the complex 800-kilometre border.
These developments have significant humanitarian implications, with families torn apart and communities devastated by violence. The ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope for the return of peace and stability in the region.
Officials from both the US and China attended the negotiations, highlighting the international stakes involved. As the situation evolves, global observers are closely monitoring for further updates and potential repercussions on regional diplomacy.
Stay tuned for more updates as this critical story develops and watch for the potential impact on international relations and trade negotiations.
