Sat Aug 02 00:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text, written from an Indian perspective:

**Headline: Ceasefire Holds, But Thailand-Cambodia Tensions Simmer: A View from India**

**New Delhi, August 2, 2025:** A fragile ceasefire brokered by ASEAN chair Malaysia, with help from China, and under US pressure, has halted recent clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces along their shared border. The fighting, which lasted for five days in late July, resulted in dozens of deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands. While the truce appears to be holding, the underlying tensions, rooted in centuries of territorial disputes and complex political dynamics, remain a significant concern.

Cambodia has requested the return of 20 detained soldiers, signaling the delicate nature of the peace. The conflict’s origins can be traced back to pre-colonial times and are further complicated by domestic politics, international scam operations allegedly linked to the Cambodian government and fueled by nationalist sentiment.

The recent flare-up followed an incident in May, which heightened tensions. It’s believed that Cambodia’s former Premier Hun Sen orchestrated a fallout in Thailand to deflect attention from the international cyberscam operations that are happening in Cambodia. Hun Sen’s motivations are believed to also include boosting his son’s credentials and potentially weakening the Thai government’s proposed casino legalization, which could impact Cambodia’s gambling sector.

Nationalism plays a significant role on both sides. Historical grievances, stemming from the Khmer Empire’s rise and fall and the shifting borders between Siam (Thailand) and Cambodia, contribute to the ongoing tensions. The Preah Vihear temple, a site claimed by both nations, symbolizes the lingering territorial disputes.

From an Indian perspective, this conflict highlights the importance of regional stability in Southeast Asia. The involvement of external powers like China and the U.S. underscores the geopolitical significance of the region. The situation calls for careful diplomacy and a long-term approach to addressing the root causes of the conflict, focusing on fostering trust and promoting peaceful resolution of disputes through multilateral mechanisms. The fragile peace serves as a reminder of the complex historical, political, and economic factors at play in Southeast Asia, requiring careful observation and engagement from India.

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