Cambodia - Thailand Ceasefire Brings Hope To Conflict-hit Border Communities

By Vijian Paramasivam

PHNOM PENH, July 30 (Bernama) -- Peace and tranquillity, which had eluded northern Cambodia for five days, returned at midnight on Monday, easing the tense atmosphere along the hostile borders with Thailand.

The news of the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand was much welcomed, akin to the tropical monsoon showers, which bring a temporary respite to Cambodians, especially to those living in remote northern provinces.

Cambodian geopolitical experts have welcomed the ceasefire agreement and regard it as a major diplomatic achievement, with Malaysia leading the peace talks.

"The truce comes as a welcome diplomatic breakthrough and demonstrates the mutual desire to see regional peace and stability between both governments," a Cambodian political economist and columnist, Dr Darin Duch, told Bernama Wednesday.

"It's a complicated situation, to be sure, but momentum in diplomacy should not be ignored. Recognition of the ceasefire opens a path for additional discussions and confidence-building.

"There are still structural issues to be addressed, but I am hopeful that ongoing dialogue and, as part of this, international legal tools, regional dialogue between the warring parties will be instrumental in addressing these," said Darin.

The ceasefire occurred at a crucial juncture. When the armed conflict between the two countries broke out, border activities came to a grinding halt, which restricted crossings and led to social and economic turmoil. Tourism was impacted, and workers who crossed the border for trade, work, study, medical treatment, or social visits faced hardship.

Darin said that ASEAN's role in brokering negotiations between Cambodia and Thailand has proven that regional diplomacy can work when its members are committed. 

"Even though the situation in Myanmar is lengthier and more politically delicate, I am hopeful that the recently proposed ceasefire facilitated by Malaysia, along with the United States (US) and China's participation, reflects ASEAN's continued relevance in promoting peace, stability and inclusive economic growth in Southeast Asia," said Darin.

The increasing human suffering in border areas was more concerning, and their situation became fodder for malicious social media, which further damaged social harmony and intensified animosity.

"The fighting must stop; there is too much suffering on both sides. It is an unnecessary conflict, and it should not have happened. Internally displaced people are suffering in Cambodia and Thailand," Director-General of International Relations Institute of Cambodia, Dr Kin Pheah, told Bernama. 

A special meeting between Thailand and Cambodia, held in Putrajaya on July 28, yielded positive results in the much-awaited ceasefire that quelled tensions. 

The ceasefire announcement marked a vital bilateral breakthrough between the two neighbours, especially after the sharp escalation of military confrontation since July 24. 

Both are contending over non-demarcated territories along their 817-kilometre shared border.

After weeks of political wrangling, the Cambodian and Thai governments agreed to resolve the border dispute that has taken a toll on soldiers and civilians on both sides, while rising public sentiment was detrimental for both nations.

According to the Cambodian government, over 80,000 people have been internally displaced, while five soldiers and eight civilians were killed in the five-day conflict.

-- BERNAMA