Military commanders from Thailand and Cambodia met on Tuesday along their disputed border, as calm returned following a ceasefire that ended the worst fighting between the neighbors in over a decade. The recent five-day conflict killed at least 40 people—mostly civilians—and forced hundreds of thousands to flee.

Ceasefire Takes Hold Despite Early Clashes

Despite Thailand’s military accusing Cambodian forces of violating the truce early Tuesday, both countries’ commanders later confirmed a mutual agreement to uphold the ceasefire. Talks were held between the Thai 2nd Region Army and its Cambodian counterpart, leading to a decision to cease troop movements and facilitate the return of the wounded and dead.

“Each side will establish a coordinating team of four to resolve any problems,” Thai Major General Winthai Suvaree said. Cambodia, meanwhile, denied any violations and reaffirmed its commitment to peace.

Civilian Displacement and Return

Residents on both sides of the border cautiously began returning. In Sisaket’s Kantharalak district in Thailand, businesses reopened as calm resumed. “I am very happy that a ceasefire happened,” said Chaiya Phumjaroen, a local shop owner. On the Cambodian side in Oddar Meanchey, displaced people waited for formal safety declarations to return home.

The ceasefire followed significant mediation efforts by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that continued fighting would stall trade talks with Washington. Both countries currently face a potential 36% tariff on exports to the U.S.—a critical market—unless a deal is reached.

Trump said after the truce that he had instructed his trade team to resume negotiations, while Thai Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira predicted an agreement before August 1.

Regional Implications and Fragile Peace

The conflict reignited longstanding tensions over a disputed border zone, aggravated by a fatal clash in May. Experts warned the ceasefire remains fragile. “It cannot be left to Thailand and Cambodia to implement because the hostilities are running so deep now,” said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University.

Cambodian officials have called for international observers to ensure enforcement, emphasizing transparency and accountability.