**Thailand and Cambodia Reach Immediate Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Border Conflict**

**In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following days of violent clashes that have resulted in numerous casualties and mass displacements.**

Thailand and Cambodia have taken a crucial step towards peace, reaching an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire" after five days of intense fighting along their border that resulted in the deaths of at least 33 individuals and displaced tens of thousands more. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the ceasefire at a joint press conference with his Thai and Cambodian counterparts, emphasizing it as a vital first step toward de-escalation and restoring security in the region.

Initially hesitant to mediate, Thailand relented after pressure from US President Donald Trump, who revealed that negotiations on tariffs would pause until the conflict ceased. Tensions have been escalating since May over a long-standing territorial dispute, spurred by the fatality of a Cambodian soldier in a border clash. In response, Thailand imposed travel restrictions to Cambodia and Cambodia retaliated with import bans on several Thai products, leading to a significant return of workers from Thailand.

The situation escalated further last week when a Thai soldier was severely injured by a landmine explosion. Following this, Thailand tightened its border controls, closed crossings, expelled the Cambodian ambassador, and withdrew its own envoy. The exchange of fire continued throughout last Thursday, with both nations blaming each other for initiating the violence, which has disproportionately impacted civilians.

Despite ongoing discussions, shelling persisted across both borders. Anwar Ibrahim, alongside leaders from both nations, pledged support from other ASEAN members to oversee the ceasefire's implementation. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed optimism that the talks would yield immediate results in halting hostilities, which had driven Cambodia’s outnumbered troops into retreat.

While both leaders have expressed their commitment to uphold the ceasefire, it may take time to execute a verified withdrawal of troops and settle emotions following the traumatic losses experienced over the past days. In the aftermath of the conflict, the Thai military reported evacuating nearly 140,000 civilians to safety in shelters across various provinces. In Cambodia, approximately 135,000 residents have been relocated due to the fighting.

The ongoing conflict has brought back haunting memories for older evacuees, many of whom survived the Cambodian Civil War, with some voicing fears for their safety as they remain under the watch of Thai drones. The situation remains delicate as both nations work towards a viable resolution and explore the possibility of a longer-lasting peace.