Cambodian and Thailand have finally agreed to a ceasefire, effective from midnight tonight, July 28, thanks to the facilitation of ASEAN chair Anwar Ibrahim, prime minister of Malaysia, and the support of the administration of US President Donald Trump.
The agreement follows five days of intense fighting, with military and civilian casualties reported on both sides of the disputed border, along with damage to civilian infrastructure and the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear Temple.Both Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed their willingness for an immediate ceasefire and return to normalcy.
“Both Cambodia and Thailand reached a common understanding, as follows: An immediate and unconditional ceasefire, with effect from 24:00 hours local time on 28 July 2025. This is a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security,” said a joint press release, read out by Anwar.
Both sides will also convene informal meetings of regional commanders, including Thailand’s Army Regions one and two and Cambodia’s Military Regions four and five at 7am on July 29. The meeting will be followed by a gathering of Defence Attaches, led by the ASEAN chair, if both sides agree. An August 4 meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC), hosted by Cambodia, will be attended by both sides.
“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,” said the release.
Both neighbouring kingdoms will resume their direct communications at the priministerial level, as well as through foreign and defence ministers.
The foreign and defence ministers of Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand were instructed to develop a detailed mechanism for the implementation, verification and reporting of the ceasefire.
“Today’s outcome reflects Thailand’s desire for peaceful resolution, while continuing to protect our sovereignty and the lives of our people. We agree to a ceasefire, that we will carry out successfully in good faith by both sides,” said Phumtham.
Manet said that he hoped the result of today’s meeting would set a condition for both countries to move forward for bilateral discussion to return to normalcy and provide the foundation for future de-escalation efforts.
He thanked Anwar for hosting the meeting which led to the ceasefire and also expressed his gratitude to Trump for his mediation, as well as the government of China for their efforts and participation in today’s meeting.
