A ceasefire agreed on Monday between Thailand and Cambodia was met with cautious optimism after five days of fighting over disputed borders that killed at least 35 soldiers and civilians and displaced around 200,000 people on both sides.

The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia shook hands on the "immediate and unconditional" truce on Monday, which took effect at midnight after a mediation meeting in Malaysia — the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which both countries are members.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called the ceasefire deal "a vital first step toward de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security" at a press conference announcing the truce.

However, just hours after the ceasefire came into effect, the Thai army reported violations by Cambodian forces in multiple areas — claims that were dismissed by Cambodia's Defense Ministry, which said the truce was holding.

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While sporadic small-arms fire may persist, Zachary Abuza, a professor at the National War College in Washington, said the ceasefire may largely hold, as both sides have achieved........

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