BANGKOK (LiCAS News): Thailand and Cambodia reaffirmed their shaky ceasefire on July 30, following renewed commitments from both sides and with China stepping in to help mediate peace talks aimed at ending days of deadly border clashes.
The ceasefire, was initially brokered during talks in Malaysia and took effect at midnight on July 28.
While both governments have since committed to de-escalation, sporadic gunfire was reported into Wednesday morning, though without the use of heavy artillery.
China, the US, Malaysia, and ASEAN partners urged both nations to show restraint.
In Phnom Penh, Senate president, Hun Sen, said on July 30 that “the true desire of the Cambodian people is peace,” adding that he believed the Thai people shared the same aspiration.
The conflict, which erupted along a disputed stretch of the 800-kilometre border, has killed and injured both military personnel and civilians and forced tens of thousands from their homes.
Colonel Charles Apisake, a senior lecturer at Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and a practicing Catholic, expressed sorrow over the incident. “The loss of civilian and military lives in the latest conflict saddens me because it was so utterly unnecessary.” he said. “
The Apostolic Nunciature in Thailand released a message of solidarity from Pope Leo XIV, delivered after his Angelus prayer at the Vatican on July 27.
“My heart is close to all those who are suffering due to conflict and violence throughout the world. In particular, I pray for those affected by the clashes along the border between Thailand and Cambodia, especially displaced children and families. May the Prince of Peace inspire everyone to seek dialogue and reconciliation,” the pope said.
Despite ongoing tensions, signs of compassion and unity have emerged. The Catholic Church, together with several charitable organisations, including COERR [Catholic Office for Emergency Relief and Refugees] and Catholic schools across northeastern and eastern Thailand, has intensified relief efforts for those forced from their homes.
More than 160,000 people in Thailand and over 4,000 in Cambodia have been displaced since the conflict began, according to local relief partners.
Overcrowded temporary shelters— ncluding schools, churches, and Buddhist temples—are struggling to cope with the influx. There is an urgent need for food, clean drinking water, clothing, medical assistance, and other essential supplies.
“The Church is doing what it can, walking alongside the displaced with love and hope, as part of the call of Jubilee 2025,” said one volunteer coordinating food distribution at a diocesan shelter.
While the ceasefire brings cautious optimism, Church and civil leaders are clear that the priority is to protect the vulnerable, care for the displaced, and press forward with sustained dialogue rooted in mutual respect, human dignity, and peace.
