Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Unconditional Ceasefire

SadaNews - Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an "unconditional" ceasefire starting at midnight on Monday, as announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who mediated the negotiations between the two parties.

 

Ibrahim stated, "Cambodia and Thailand have reached a mutual agreement for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire effective from midnight on July 28."

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet considered that this agreement constitutes a settlement "to move forward."

The origin of the tension stems from a long-standing border dispute between the two Southeast Asian countries, which are separated by a border line that is 817 kilometers long.

Both sides had previously reached a ceasefire agreement on May 28 following limited clashes; however, the situation deteriorated again on July 24, leading to renewed fighting and 32 fatalities on both sides.

The two parties exchanged accusations regarding who initiated the gunfire, while U.S. President Donald Trump announced via the "Truth Social" platform on Saturday that he had communicated with the leaders of both countries, who decided to begin immediate negotiations for a ceasefire and to achieve lasting peace.

Shortly before the announcement of the agreement, five security guards were killed and one person injured in gunfire that occurred at a popular food market in Bangkok, according to Thai police.

The assailant opened fire using a "weapon resembling a pistol" at the Or Tor Kor market in the Bang Sue area at 12:31 PM, according to the Royal Thai Police, before committing suicide.

Bang Sue Police Deputy Director Robat Sukthai stated that "the police are investigating the motive and so far it concerns gunfire."

He noted that the police are trying to identify the shooter and to establish a "possible link" to the border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia.

National Police Chief Kreetat Panphet announced an urgent investigation into the incident based on footage recorded from surveillance cameras.

The Or Tor Kor market is located near the Chatuchak area, which experiences heavy traffic during the weekend.

Shooting incidents are not uncommon in Thailand, where it is relatively easy to possess firearms.