Hundreds of thousands of civilians are seeking shelter as Thailand and Cambodia declare an end to their bloodiest border fighting in years. The two nations’ agreement, brokered after five days of fierce clashes, brings hope to tens of thousands who fled artillery barrages and rocket fire.
Both sides suffered heavy losses; at least 36 people have died, many of them civilians living in farming communities near the long-disputed frontier. Tensions were stoked by ambiguous colonial-era borders and recent military escalations.
Following urgent talks brokered by the Malaysian prime minister and with the backing of the United States, the truce will be monitored by military leaders and supported by international observers. Thailand and Cambodia’s leaders emphasized the need for mutual trust and adherence to the agreement.
The border skirmishes raised nationalist sentiment and led to warnings to citizens to avoid retaliatory actions against migrants from the neighboring country. Now, border crossings may gradually re-open, and humanitarian efforts are ramping up.