Delhi, 29 July (H.S.): The Thailand-Cambodia border has calmed after a ceasefire agreement was reached, following five days of intense fighting that resulted in at least 38 deaths and the displacement of over 300,000 people. Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet met in Malaysia to halt the deadliest conflict in over a decade. Although the Thai army reported attacks from Cambodian troops early Tuesday, violating the ceasefire that took effect at midnight, Phumtham downplayed the situation, indicating calmness in the region.

A spokesperson from the Cambodian Defence Ministry confirmed there was no continued fighting along the border. The peace talks were facilitated by Malaysian Premier Anwar Ibrahim and U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that trade negotiations would not advance if the fighting continued, as high tariffs could impact their biggest export market. Following the ceasefire, Trump mentioned he instructed his trade team to restart tariff discussions.

Historically, Thailand and Cambodia have had longstanding disputes over their frontier, recently exacerbated by a skirmish that resulted in a Cambodian soldier's death in May. The Thai army accused Cambodia of violating the truce, leading to continued clashes. In response, Thai troops retaliated in self-defense, asserting their legitimate right to do so. The ceasefire agreement calls for an unconditional halt to hostilities along their 800km border, aiming to restore peace after a violent five-day escalation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar