WORLD NEWS – Thai and Cambodian military leaders agree to uphold cease-fire amid border violence

Ananya Roy, News Writer

Following days of deadly clashes along a disputed border, military commanders from Thailand and Cambodia met on Tuesday and agreed to de-escalate tensions, raising cautious hopes that a cease-fire brokered by President Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will hold. The cease-fire, struck a day earlier by civilian leaders in Malaysia, followed nearly a week of cross-border fighting, including airstrikes,  that left at least 38 dead and forced hundreds of thousands to flee. The military meetings, seen as a critical litmus test given both armies’ domestic political power, resulted in agreements to halt troop reinforcements, establish communication channels, and form a working group to monitor compliance.

Still, signs of fragility emerged. Thailand’s army accused Cambodia of violating the cease-fire early Tuesday, while Cambodian officials insisted their troops were in full compliance. Despite the tension, regional commanders completed key meetings, including one between units that led the most intense fighting. Both sides expressed optimism, with Cambodia’s parliamentary director Lim Menghour stating that peace could return if Thailand honors its commitments. A second round of high-level talks is scheduled for Monday with defense ministers and Malaysia observing. While leaders urge calm, the military’s deep influence in both nations underscores the delicate nature of peace on the ground.