𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: “ASEAN to deploy observers as Thai-Cambodian conflict eases” by Khitch Chino D. Buan

 

Layout by: Eunice Natal

Published by: Jellyssa Boniza

Date Published : August 12, 2025

Time Published: 7:05 AM

Thailand and Cambodia agreed on Thursday, August 7, to allow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) military observers to monitor their shared border following five days of deadly clashes that left at least 43 people dead and displaced over 300,000 civilians.

The violence, which erupted in late July near ancient temples in disputed areas, marked the worst fighting between the two nations in more than a decade.

Both sides blamed each other for initiating the attacks, with artillery exchanges and airstrikes damaging infrastructure and forcing mass evacuations.

Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s earlier mediation efforts, ceasefire attempts initially failed as border towns emptied and civilians sought refuge in temples and shelters.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet accepted an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire," while Thailand insisted on Cambodia’s sincerity in halting cross-border violations.

"Both sides agreed on the terms of implementation of the ceasefire and improving communication between the two armies," Hun Manet posted on social media.

"Thailand and Cambodia are neighbors with a shared border that can move away from each other ... a resolution will allow our people to return to peaceful lives," he added.

At a meeting in Kuala Lumpur, officials agreed that “there will be an ASEAN observation team...led by Malaysia” to monitor the ceasefire from within each country’s territory.

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres and ASEAN Chair Anwar Ibrahim welcomed the development, urging both nations to maintain peace and avoid escalation.

Further peace talks are scheduled in two weeks and again in a month, as both governments commit to improved military communication to prevent future clashes.

The border dispute, rooted in colonial-era boundaries, resurfaced in May and intensified in July due to political tensions and military incidents.

REFERENCES:

[1] Agence France-Presse. (2025, July 27). Thailand, Cambodia clash despite ceasefire hopes. INQUIRER.net. https://globalnation.inquirer.net/286236/thailand-cambodia-clash-despite-ceasefire-hopes

[2] Agence France-Presse. (2025, July 26). Death toll rises in Thai-Cambodian clashes despite ceasefire call. ABS-CBN News. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2025/7/26/death-toll-rises-in-thai-cambodian-clashes-despite-ceasefire-call-1526

[3] Agence France-Presse. (2025, July 25). Thailand warns of war with Cambodia as 138,000 flee fighting. ABS-CBN News. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2025/7/25/thailand-says-over-100-000-civilians-flee-clashes-with-cambodia-1029

[4] Associated Press. (2025, July 25). Tens of thousands flee their homes as Thailand, Cambodia clash. INQUIRER.net. https://globalnation.inquirer.net/286081/tens-of-thousands-flee-their-homes-as-thailand-cambodia-clash

[5] Latiff, R. (2025, August 7). Cambodia and Thailand agree to ASEAN observers to ensure ceasefire holds. GMA News. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/world/955136/cambodia-and-thailand-agree-to-asean-observers-to-ensure-ceasefire-holds/story/