An uneasy calm has returned to the Thailand-Cambodia border after both countries agreed to an immediate ceasefire in response to five days of violence. The fighting, the deadliest in over a decade, left dozens dead and displaced many more.
The international community, led by Malaysia’s mediation, played a major role in brokering talks after deadly barrages threatened to spiral further. Committees and military leaders will now work to keep the fragile peace.
Decades-old mistrust, ancient temple disputes, and heated nationalist rhetoric loom large over the ceasefire’s prospects. As artillery fades, locals are wary but hopeful that this pause will endure.
Emergency aid and reconstruction are already underway, with a focus on helping displaced families regain their livelihoods.