A fraught border is finally quiet after Thailand and Cambodia forged a ceasefire, ending a week that saw intense artillery fire and the displacement of close to a quarter-million people. The agreement follows high-level talks led by regional partners in Malaysia.
Conflict erupted over land marked by centuries-old temples, still symbolic of national pride and perpetually contested due to murky colonial boundaries. Leaders have committed their militaries to uphold the truce and participate in continued negotiations.
While calm has returned, the fabric of many border villages remains torn, and questions of sovereignty linger. Humanitarian organizations are rapidly moving to address food, shelter, and trauma care.
It remains to be seen whether the hard-won truce will evolve into lasting stability—or merely serve as a pause in deeper hostilities.