Thailand and Cambodia reaffirmed their shaky ceasefire on Wednesday, 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, initially brokered during talks in Malaysia and scheduled to take effect at midnight on July 28, was quickly tested.
According to Thai military sources, Cambodian troops launched attacks in multiple areas early Tuesday — a claim Cambodia denies.
While both governments have since committed to de-escalation, sporadic gunfire was reported into Wednesday morning, though without the use of heavy artillery.
The latest diplomatic push comes amid growing international concern, with China, the U.S., Malaysia, and ASEAN partners urging 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 he believed the Thai people shared the same aspiration.
Last week’s conflict, which erupted along a disputed stretch of the 800-kilometer border, has killed and injured both military personnel and civilians and forced tens of thousands from their homes.
Thai soldier loses leg in landmine blast
Among the wounded was Pvt. Thanapat, one of three Thai soldiers injured by a landmine believed to have been planted by Cambodian forces.
He sustained severe injuries, leading to the amputation of his right leg. All three soldiers were airlifted to a military hospital in Ubon Ratchathani.
Colonel Charles Apisake, a senior lecturer at Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and a practicing Catholic, expressed sorrow over the incident in an interview with LiCAS News.
“The loss of civilian and military lives in the latest conflict saddens me because it was so utterly unnecessary,” Col. Apisake said. “It feels even worse when it involves a former student of mine.”
“Despite the loss of his leg, Thanapat continues to show the indomitable spirit of a true hero. I ask for prayers for his recovery, and for all those injured or displaced.”
Founded in 1887, the prestigious military academy has produced most of Thailand’s military leadership, including several former prime ministers.
Pope Leo XIV sends message of solidarity
As the humanitarian toll rises, the Apostolic Nunciature in Thailand released a message of solidarity from Pope Leo XIV, delivered after his Angelus prayer at the Vatican earlier this week.
“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.”
Church, charities respond to displacement crisis
Despite ongoing tensions, signs of compassion and unity have emerged. The Catholic Church, together with several charitable organizations, 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 — including 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 alike remain clear: the priority now is to protect the vulnerable, care for the displaced, and press forward with sustained dialogue rooted in mutual respect, human dignity, and peace.
