PUTRAJAYA — Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate ceasefire amid heightened tensions along their disputed border, following a special meeting held in Putrajaya today.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the breakthrough after chairing the high-level talks at the Seri Perdana Complex.
The meeting was attended by Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Proceedings began at 3pm.
Also present were United States Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan and Chinese Ambassador Ouyang Yujing. The US co-organised the meeting, while China participated as an observer.
Anwar had held separate phone calls with both Phumtham and Manet last Friday, urging them to pursue a ceasefire and resume dialogue in order to resolve the dispute peacefully.
“Cambodia and Thailand have reached a common understanding: an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, effective from 24:00 hours local time on 28 July 2025,” Anwar announced at a joint press conference after the meeting.
“This marks a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security.”
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, Bernama reported.
“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 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. — July 28, 2025