In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai have expressed their commitment to an immediate ceasefire and return to normalcy in a joint press release issued on 28 Jul 2025.
The announcement was made following a special meeting chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with the active participation of Cambodia’s Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet, Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, and co-organised by the United States of America. The Chinese side also maintained close contact with all parties to promote dialogue and ceasefire.
The meeting marked a significant shift in the ongoing situation between Cambodia and Thailand, with both countries agreeing on several key points:
- An immediate and unconditional ceasefire, effective from 24:00 hours local time on 28 Jul 2025.
- The convening of an informal meeting of regional commanders on 29 Jul 2025, followed by a meeting with Defence Attaches led by the Chair of ASEAN, if both sides agreed.
- The convening of a General Border Committee (GBC) on 4 Aug 2025, to be hosted by Cambodia.
The agreement was hailed as a significant step towards de-escalation and regional stability. Malaysia, currently Chair of ASEAN, pledged to coordinate an observer team to verify and ensure the implementation of the ceasefire.
In addition to the ceasefire, both sides agreed to resume direct communications between Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers, and Defence Ministers. 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.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared resolve of Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand to uphold the principles of international law, peaceful co-existence, and multilateral cooperation in pursuit of a just and lasting resolution to the situation. The presence and collaboration of all parties underscored a commitment to peace, dialogue, and regional stability.
In a statement released on 28 Jul 2025, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of diplomacy in resolving conflicts, saying, “We stand ready to support our neighbors in their efforts to find peaceful solutions.”
The historic accord marks a significant milestone in Cambodia’s diplomatic efforts to address regional tensions and promote peace. As the current Chair of ASEAN, Malaysia will continue to coordinate with fellow member states to ensure the implementation of the ceasefire.
Conclusion
The agreement between Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia serves as a model for regional diplomacy, demonstrating the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding in resolving conflicts. As the region continues to navigate complex geopolitical challenges, this historic accord will be closely watched by regional and international observers alike.