Thailand, Cambodia Agree To Ceasefire – PM Anwar

By Linda Khoo & Amanina Mohamad Yusof

PUTRAJAYA, July 28 (Bernama) -- Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire amid rising tensions along their disputed border, following a special meeting held in Putrajaya on Monday.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the agreement after chairing the special meeting between Thailand and Cambodia at the Seri Perdana Complex here.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai attended the meeting, which began at 3 pm.

Also in attendance were United States (US) Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing. The US was a co-organiser of the meeting, while China, an observer to promote a peaceful resolution to the ongoing situation.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan also present at the special meeting.

“Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Prime Minister Phumtham have expressed their positions and willingness for an immediate ceasefire and return to normalcy.

“As the current Chair of ASEAN, Malaysia stands ready to coordinate an observer team to verify and ensure its implementation.

“Malaysia will also consult with fellow ASEAN member states 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 joint press conference, Anwar said Cambodia and Thailand reached a common understanding, including an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, with 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,” he said.

Prime Minister said that Thailand and Cambodia will hold an informal meeting of regional commanders on July 29 at 7 am, 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 (GBC) on Aug 4 to be hosted by Cambodia.

Anwar said Thailand and Cambodia also agreed to resume direct communications between both prime ministers, foreign ministers, and defence ministers.

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 said the meeting reaffirms the shared resolve of Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand to uphold the principles of international law, peaceful co-existence, and multilateral cooperation in the pursuit of a just and lasting resolution to the situation.

He said US President Donald J. Trump has been in contact with the leaders of both countries, urging the leaders to find a peaceful solution to the situation.

He added that the Chinese side had kept close contact with Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and relevant countries to actively 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 817-kilometre undemarcated stretch of their shared border.

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have been simmering since May 28 following a skirmish between their troops near the disputed Preah Vihear border area, which claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier.

The latest round of hostilities erupted on July 24. Armed clashes have been reported along Cambodia's northern border region, with fatalities on both sides.

-- BERNAMA