Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to end recent deadly border clashes, following mediation talks in Malaysia. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the ceasefire would take effect at midnight on July 28 and called it “a vital first step” toward restoring peace.
The agreement comes after four days of violence in a disputed area near the Preah Vihear temple, which left 32 dead and over 130 injured. More than 140,000 people have been displaced.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai leader Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed their commitment to peace and expressed gratitude to the U.S. and China for their mediation efforts. Further talks between defense and foreign ministers will establish mechanisms to implement and monitor the ceasefire.
The long-running border dispute centers on the ownership of ancient Hindu temples, particularly Preah Vihear, which has sparked multiple clashes over the years.