Cambodia, Thailand Agree to ASEAN Observers After Deadly Border Conflict

Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to allow ASEAN observers to monitor their disputed border areas following a violent five-day conflict that ended in a July ceasefire, marking the worst fighting in over a decade with at least 43 deaths and over 300,000 displaced. Despite earlier diplomatic efforts by China and Malaysia, hostilities only ceased after U.S. President Donald Trump linked peace progress to the continuation of tariff negotiations, prompting the leaders to engage in talks. The ASEAN observer team, led by Malaysia, will be based in both countries but will not cross the border, aiming to ensure that hostilities do not resume and to facilitate peaceful coexistence. Senior officials from Cambodia and Thailand finalized the peace terms during several days of talks in Kuala Lumpur, with additional bilateral meetings planned to improve communication and implement the ceasefire. Observers from China and the United States were also present during the negotiations, underscoring international support for the peace process. Both nations expressed hope that the resolution will enable displaced people to return to peaceful lives along their shared border.