The agreement was announced by US President Donald Trump, who has been playing a key role in mediating the conflict between the two Southeast Asian nations. Trump said that he had spoken with both Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, and that they had agreed to renew the ceasefire.
Background to the Conflict
The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has its roots in a long-standing border dispute. The two nations have been locked in a dispute over the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site that straddles the border between the two countries.
Despite previous attempts to resolve the dispute through diplomatic channels, tensions between the two nations have continued to simmer, with periodic outbreaks of violence along the border.
Regional Efforts to Broker a Peaceful Resolution
Regional leaders have been working tirelessly to broker a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been at the forefront of these efforts, with ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi playing a key role in mediating talks between the two nations.
Other regional leaders, including Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, have also been involved in the efforts to resolve the conflict.
Renewed Ceasefire Brings Relief to the Region
The renewed ceasefire has been welcomed by regional leaders, who see it as a significant step towards resolving the conflict peacefully. ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi praised the agreement, saying that it was a "major breakthrough" that would bring much-needed stability to the region.
The renewed ceasefire is also expected to have a positive impact on the economies of both Thailand and Cambodia, which have been severely affected by the conflict.
While the renewed ceasefire is a significant development, it remains to be seen whether it will be sustainable in the long term. Regional leaders will need to continue to work together to build on this momentum and find a lasting solution to the conflict.