Cambodia and Thailand agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following successful mediation by the Malaysian government in Putrajaya this afternoon, ending days of escalating border clashes that displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians.
The ceasefire, set to take effect at midnight, was agreed during a special meeting chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and attended by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Representatives from the United States and China were also present, signalling rare joint backing from both superpowers for peace in the region.
Announcing the outcome shortly after the conclusion of the three-hour meeting, Anwar told the press that the agreement includes a roadmap to resume military and diplomatic communication between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.
“Senior military commanders from both sides are scheduled to meet at 7am Tuesday (tomorrow), followed by a broader regional defence meeting led by the Asean chair, if endorsed by both parties. A formal General Border Committee meeting will be held in Cambodia on Aug 4,” Anwar said at a press conference held at his official residence.
Malaysia, currently Asean chair, said it will coordinate an observer team to verify the ceasefire’s implementation and consult with other member states to ensure regional support for the peace initiative.
Anwar thanked both leaders for what he described as “very frank and passionate” engagement during the discussions.
“Due to their efforts and participation, we have seen positive developments and results that augur well for Cambodia and Thailand.”
Hun said the meeting produced “very good results” and expressed hope that the ceasefire would end a conflict that has already taken a serious toll on civilians.
“The fighting has caused many lives to be lost and injuries, and displaced a total of 300,000 people on both sides – 140,000 in Cambodia and 160,000 in Thailand,” Hun said.
“We hope the solutions announced today will set the conditions to move forward with bilateral discussions and serve as a foundation to de-escalate forces,” he added.
He thanked Anwar for hosting the “urgent and timely” meeting and for personally initiating the ceasefire talks on July 24. He also expressed appreciation to US President Donald Trump for his “decisive mediation” on July 26 and acknowledged China’s role in supporting dialogue.
“I thank Prime Minister Phumtham for his constructive dialogue that led to the agreement,” Hun said. “The fighting will stop starting from tonight. This opens the way for military-to-military engagement tomorrow and future discussions involving Asean defence attachés led by Malaysia, if agreed.”
Phumtham also pledged his government’s commitment to the peace effort.
“Thailand has decided on a peaceful resolution while continuing to protect our sovereignty and the lives of our people. We agree to the ceasefire and will carry it out with good faith from both sides.”
Tensions on the Cambodia–Thailand border
The recent conflict erupted earlier this month after a series of deadly incidents between Cambodian and Thai forces along their long-disputed border areas, reigniting long-standing grievances over territorial claims and military posturing. The immediate trigger remains unclear, as both sides accused each other of crossing boundaries and initiating attacks.
The clashes quickly escalated into artillery exchanges and the mobilisation of troops near sensitive border zones, prompting mass evacuations from nearby villages and towns. The United Nations and Asean expressed growing concern as casualties mounted and over 300,000 people were displaced from both countries. More than 33 people have been reported killed since tensions erupted last week.
Today’s ceasefire is the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since hostilities began and marks a rare instance of rapid multilateral intervention in the region.
The joint statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the countries’ commitment to international law, peaceful coexistence, and multilateral cooperation.
Anwar commended for bringing Cambodia, Thailand together
Charles Santiago, co-chair of Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights, welcomed the ceasefire but urged leaders to ensure it is followed by concrete steps towards accountability and long-term stability.
“While the ceasefire is a critical first step, it is only temporary until we have a permanent solution to the problem,” he told Twentytwo13.
“There must be an independent verification mechanism on the ground and genuine political will to address the root causes of the conflict.”
He commended Malaysia’s leadership in mediating the discussions and acknowledged the influence of the US and China in pushing both countries to the table.
“I have to commend the prime minister (Anwar) for bringing the two countries together. The ultimatum issued by Trump against Thailand and Cambodia also helped facilitate the discussion and positive outcome,” Santiago said.
Trump had warned on Saturday that he would stop trade negotiations with both nations if they did not cease hostilities.
Santiago also warned that the ceasefire must be closely monitored to ensure both countries abide by the agreement.
“We would not want to see what happened in Myanmar repeating itself in the Thailand and Cambodia conflict,” he said, referring to repeated ceasefire violations in the troubled nation.
Main image: Prime Minister’s Office, Malaysia
