PUTRAJAYA, July 28 — Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to an immediate, unconditional ceasefire amid rising tensions along their disputed border, after a special meeting in Putrajaya today.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the agreement after chairing the special meeting between Thailand and Cambodia at Seri Perdana Complex here.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai acting prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai attended the meeting, which began at 3pm.
Also in attendance were United States Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan and China Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing. The US was a co-organiser of the meeting, while China was an observer to promote a peaceful resolution.
“Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting prime minister Phumtham have expressed their positions and willingness for an immediate ceasefire and return to normalcy. As current Asean chair, Malaysia stands ready to coordinate an observer team to verify and ensure its implementation.
“Malaysia will also consult with fellow Asean members to participate in the observation effort, reflecting a regional commitment to supporting peace on the ground,” he said at a joint press conference.
During the presser, Anwar said Cambodia and Thailand reached a common understanding, including an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, with effect from midnight (local time) on July 28.
“This is a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security,” he said.
He added that Thailand and Cambodia will hold an informal meeting of regional commanders tomorrow at 7am, followed by a meeting with defence attachés led by the Asean chair, subject to mutual agreement.
He added that Thailand and Cambodia will convene a meeting of the General Border Committee on August 4, to be hosted by Cambodia.
Anwar said Thailand and Cambodia also agreed to resume direct communications.
He added that the foreign ministers and defence ministers of Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand have been instructed to develop a detailed mechanism for the implementation, verification, and reporting of the ceasefire.
“This mechanism will serve as a foundation for sustained peace and accountability,” he said.
Anwar added that the meeting reaffirms the shared resolve of Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand to uphold the principles of international law, peaceful coexistence, and multilateral cooperation in the pursuit of a just, lasting resolution.
He said US President Donald Trump has been in contact with the leaders of both countries to urge the leaders to find a peaceful solution to the situation. Anwar also said China had kept close contact with Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and other countries to promote dialogue, ceasefire, and restoring peace.
“The presence and collaboration of all parties underscore a shared commitment to peace, dialogue, and regional stability,” he said.
The two Southeast Asian neighbours have a long history of diplomatic rows over an 817km undemarcated stretch of their shared border.
Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand have been simmering since May 28 after a skirmish between their troops near the disputed Preah Vihear border area, during which a Cambodian soldier was killed.
The latest round of hostilities erupted on July 24. Armed clashes were reported along Cambodia’s northern border region, with deaths on both sides.
— Bernama
