In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged the two Southeast Asian neighbors to adhere to de-escalation measures outlined in a peace accord brokered in October by President Donald Trump. Washington’s intervention highlights concern that renewed clashes could destabilize a region critical to trade and security.

The latest flare-up marks the most serious escalation since fighting in July killed dozens of soldiers and civilians. Despite previous agreements aimed at calming tensions, artillery exchanges and air strikes have resumed across multiple provinces on both sides of the frontier.

Civilian toll rises as evacuations expand

Officials say the death toll over three days stands at 10, including seven people in Cambodia and three in Thailand. Thai authorities reported evacuating more than 400,000 residents from affected areas, while Cambodia said around 100,000 people have been moved to shelters.

Thailand’s defence ministry described its military response as “limited in scope” and undertaken as a last resort. A ministry spokesperson said security operations were intended to safeguard civilians, adding that peace must ensure the safety of Thai citizens.

Cambodian officials, however, accused Thailand of launching “aggressive military attacks” that struck civilian institutions and cultural sites, including historic temples located near contested territory. The exchange of accusations reflects the deep mistrust that continues to shadow diplomatic efforts.

The scale of displacement has raised concerns about humanitarian needs, particularly in rural border communities where access to shelter, food and medical care can be limited. Aid groups have yet to publish comprehensive assessments, but local authorities on both sides have opened temporary facilities for evacuees.

Diplomatic pressure builds

US President Trump said he would consider making a phone call to help stop the fighting, referencing the earlier peace framework that Washington helped facilitate. In October, Trump described the accord as a significant diplomatic achievement after months of intermittent violence.

The July clashes that preceded the agreement were triggered by a Cambodian rocket barrage into Thai territory, followed by Thai air strikes. Five days of intense combat left dozens dead before mediation efforts gained traction. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim played a key role in brokering an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” alongside US involvement.

Although the October agreement was intended to stabilize the border, tensions have persisted. Analysts note that long-standing territorial claims and nationalist sentiment on both sides have complicated implementation of ceasefire commitments.

On Wednesday, Cambodia announced it would withdraw from the Southeast Asian Games being hosted in Thailand. The Cambodian National Olympic Committee cited serious concerns raised by athletes’ families, saying the decision was not taken lightly. The move underscores how the violence is spilling into cultural and sporting ties that typically help maintain regional goodwill.

UN calls for restraint

UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both governments to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation. He said the renewed fighting had resulted in significant civilian casualties, infrastructure damage and displacement.

The conflict has expanded into at least six provinces in northeastern Thailand and five provinces in northern and northwestern Cambodia. Several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States and Japan, have issued travel advisories warning citizens against visiting affected border areas.

The dispute traces back more than a century, to the demarcation of borders following the French colonial administration of Cambodia. Competing interpretations of historical maps and sovereignty over temple complexes and surrounding land have fueled periodic confrontations, most notably around the Preah Vihear area in previous decades.

While large-scale warfare between the two nations is unlikely, even limited engagements can have serious consequences for border populations. The current crisis illustrates how unresolved historical grievances can quickly reignite despite formal agreements.

For now, diplomatic efforts appear focused on restoring adherence to the October ceasefire and preventing further civilian harm. Whether renewed mediation — potentially involving regional partners or Washington — can secure a durable calm remains uncertain.

As artillery exchanges continue, the immediate priority for both governments is containing violence and addressing humanitarian needs. The coming days will test the durability of last year’s peace framework and the willingness of both sides to step back from confrontation.

Source: BBC – US tells Thailand and Cambodia to stop fighting as clashes continue

The post US Urges Thailand and Cambodia to Halt Border Fighting appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Written: July 28, 2025, 17:00 EDT

Thailand and Cambodia have reached an unconditional ceasefire following five days of deadly border clashes that left dozens dead and forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes. The agreement, announced in Malaysia and brokered with support from ASEAN and international partners, marks a significant step toward restoring peace and stability in the region.

The ceasefire, effective from midnight local time, was jointly declared by the acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet following high-level talks hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Ceasefire brokered after five days of border violence

The recent escalation began Thursday when a land mine explosion injured five Thai soldiers near the disputed border. Tensions quickly flared, with both sides exchanging fire and accusing each other of provoking the violence. According to local officials and media reports, at least 35 people have died and more than 260,000 residents on both sides of the frontier were displaced as a result.

In a press conference in Putrajaya, Malaysia, Prime Minister Anwar announced that both nations had agreed to an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire.” The meeting was held under the auspices of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which Malaysia currently chairs.

“This is a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security,” Anwar said, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and regional unity.

Next steps for restoring peace and regional stability

As part of the ceasefire agreement, military officials from Thailand and Cambodia will meet on Tuesday to further reduce tensions along the border. Cambodia will also host a border committee meeting on August 4 to continue diplomatic discussions.

Additionally, foreign and defense ministers from the three countries — Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia — have been tasked with developing a formal mechanism to monitor the ceasefire and ensure long-term peace.

Hun Manet expressed optimism about the path forward, stating that he hopes “bilateral ties can return to normal so that the 300,000 displaced villagers may return home soon.” Phumtham echoed this sentiment, adding that the agreement reflected “Thailand’s desire for a peaceful resolution.”

International pressure and diplomatic involvement

The peace talks were held under considerable international attention. The joint statement issued after the meeting acknowledged the participation of both the United States and China. U.S. President Donald Trump had reportedly applied direct pressure on both parties, warning that trade agreements could be suspended if the hostilities continued.

According to the joint communiqué, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Ambassador Wei Fenghe attended the negotiations in Malaysia, demonstrating global interest in resolving the conflict peacefully.

In a public statement, Rubio applauded the ceasefire and reaffirmed Washington’s expectation that “both governments honor their commitments to end this conflict.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt shared the development on social media platform X, writing: “President Trump made this happen. Give him the Nobel Peace Prize!”

Following his return to Bangkok, Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham confirmed that President Trump had called to congratulate the Thai government and signaled readiness to resume trade negotiations between the U.S. and Thailand.

Impact on regional diplomacy and ASEAN unity

This flare-up marks a rare instance of open military confrontation between two ASEAN member states. The 10-nation bloc has long prided itself on its principles of non-aggression and regional cooperation. In the wake of the fighting, both Cambodia and Thailand recalled their ambassadors, and Thailand shut down all border crossings—except for routes allowing Cambodian migrant workers to return home.

The violence also stirred domestic unease in both countries, with opposition figures and civil society groups calling for a diplomatic resolution.

By restoring dialogue, ASEAN appears to have reinforced its role as a stabilizing force in Southeast Asia. Political analysts note that the involvement of third-party mediators like Malaysia and diplomatic pressure from the U.S. and China were critical in achieving a swift de-escalation.

Voices from the ground: hopes and fears of evacuees

For those caught in the conflict, news of the ceasefire brought a wave of relief.

At a shelter in Surin, Thailand, evacuee Usa Dasri shared her mixed emotions. “I’m happy and relieved. We miss our home. I’m worried about our livestock and rice fields. But mostly, I want our soldiers to be safe, and to sleep in peace like us,” she said.

Dasri also credited the diplomatic efforts of neighboring countries. “Without outside help, our governments would have struggled to reach an agreement. This gives us hope.”

Across the border in Cambodia, similar sentiments emerged. Chhuot Nhav, a 42-year-old farmer who fled Oddar Meanchey province, said, “I’m happy because I can go back to take care of my animals and send my children back to school.” Still, she remained cautious. “I’ll wait until the fighting really stops before I go back.”

Another evacuee, Kong Sin, said he planned to return to his village on Tuesday if the ceasefire holds.

Historical backdrop: decades of border tension

The 800-kilometer (500-mile) border between Thailand and Cambodia has long been a source of tension. While past clashes have typically been limited in scale, the current conflict drew attention due to its severity and the number of displaced civilians.

The latest round of tension was preceded by a fatal skirmish in May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a disputed area. That incident strained diplomatic ties and contributed to the escalation observed in late July.

Conclusion: a tentative step toward lasting peace

While the ceasefire marks a critical milestone, challenges remain. Restoring trust, reopening border crossings, and facilitating the return of evacuees will require sustained cooperation and international oversight.

Still, the agreement offers a hopeful sign for a region often tested by political instability. For ASEAN, the peaceful resolution reinforces its relevance as a diplomatic platform. And for ordinary citizens on both sides of the border, the promise of returning home may soon become reality.

Source: AP News – Thailand and Cambodia agree to “unconditional” ceasefire to end deadly border row, Malaysian PM says

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