Peace talks in Malaysia: Cambodia, Thailand agree to ceasefire

New Delhi, Jul 28: Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, following high-level peace talks hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya under the aegis of ASEAN.

The ceasefire is set to take effect from midnight local time.

The agreement comes after mounting international pressure, including a warning from U.S. President Donald Trump, who made cessation of hostilities a precondition for continuing separate trade negotiations with both nations, reports international media.

Clashes between the two Southeast Asian neighbours intensified on July 24, rooted in a long-standing border dispute dating back to colonial-era demarcations. The violence has so far claimed at least 33 lives and displaced thousands of civilians. While both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai have expressed commitment to peace and de-escalation, observers note that effective implementation of the ceasefire will require troop withdrawal, which could take several days to complete.