Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following high-level talks held in Malaysia, aimed at defusing heightened border tensions that have threatened regional stability.
The dialogue, hosted and chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya, brought together Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The meeting, facilitated by Malaysia in its capacity as the current Chair of ASEAN, marks a significant diplomatic step toward regional peace.
According to a joint statement issued after the meeting, both sides expressed a firm commitment to halt hostilities and restore normalcy. The ceasefire takes effect from 24:00 hours (local time) on July 28.
“This is a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security,” the statement noted.
To build on this progress, Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to convene an informal meeting of their respective regional military commanders—Regional Military Zones 1 and 2 on the Thai side, and Zones 4 and 5 on the Cambodian side—on July 29. This will be followed by a meeting of Defence Attachés, chaired by ASEAN, contingent upon mutual agreement. Furthermore, a General Border Committee (GBC) meeting is scheduled for August 4, to be hosted by Cambodia.
Malaysia has offered to coordinate an ASEAN observer mission to monitor and verify compliance with the ceasefire agreement. Consultations with other ASEAN member states are underway to broaden participation in this regional peacekeeping effort.
In addition, both sides have agreed to resume direct communication channels between their respective Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers, and Defence Ministers. The foreign and defence ministries of all three countries—Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand—have been tasked with developing a detailed mechanism for implementation, verification, and reporting, forming the backbone of long-term peace and accountability.
The trilateral meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to uphold international law, peaceful coexistence, and multilateral cooperation in pursuit of a lasting resolution.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed on Sunday that he had spoken separately with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn. In both calls, he urged an immediate de-escalation of tensions and encouraged both nations to agree to a ceasefire over the ongoing border dispute.
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