Cambodia and Thailand agree to ceasefire following talks in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR — Cambodia and Thailand agreed on Monday to an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire, following talks in Kuala Lumpur that were mediated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

According to a joint press statement, the special meeting was chaired, hosted, and witnessed by Prime Minister Ibrahim in Putrajaya city of Malaysia. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai participated in the discussions.

The talks were held amid escalating border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand which disturbed regional peace tremendously.

PM Hun Manet and Acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai expressed their positions and willingness for an immediate ceasefire and return to normalcy.

According to a statement released after the meeting, both Cambodia and Thailand reached a common understanding, including an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, with effect from 24:00 hours (local time) July 28. This is a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security.

Additionally, they agreed to convene an informal meeting of regional commanders (Regional Military 1 and 2 on the Thai side and Regional Military 4 and 5 of the Cambodian side) on July 29. It will be followed by a meeting with the Defence Attaches led by the Chair of ASEAN, if both sides agree. It was also decided to convene a meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) on August 4, to be hosted by Cambodia.

Also read: Thailand-Cambodia border issue: 80,000 Cambodian villagers flee homes as dispute enters 4th day

"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. Both sides also agreed to resume direct communications between both Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers, and Defence Ministers," the statement mentioned.

"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," it added

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 the pursuit of a just and lasting resolution to the situation”.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that he held separate telephonic conversations with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, urging both nations to de-escalate tensions immediately and agree to a ceasefire over the ongoing border dispute between the two countries.

Thailand-Cambodia border issue: Cambodian, Thai leaders to meet in Malaysia over ongoing conflict

PHNOM PENH/BANGKOK — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai are scheduled to meet on Monday in Malaysia to talk over ongoing border conflict.

"I will lead a Cambodian delegation to attend a special meeting in Kuala Lumpur," Hun Manet said in a post on his official social media platforms Sunday night, adding that "the purpose of this meeting is to achieve an immediate ceasefire."

"I'd like to thank [Malaysian] Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his initiative and coordination to organise and host this special meeting," he added.

Thai government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said on Sunday that Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will lead a delegation to Malaysia for discussions on the Thai-Cambodian border issue.

In a statement, Jirayu Houngsub said Phumtham will travel to Malaysia on Monday at the invitation of Anwar Ibrahim, Prime minister of Malaysia, the current ASEAN chair, Xinhua news agency reported.

Armed clashes between Cambodian and Thai soldiers over disputed border areas entered a fifth day on Monday, Cambodian defence ministry's undersecretary of state and spokesperson Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said.

Earlier today, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Cambodia and Thailand are set to commence high-level talks in Malaysia, aiming to achieve an immediate ceasefire amid the escalating border clashes between the two nations.

“Cambodia and Thailand are scheduled to begin high-level talks in Malaysia shortly in hopes of achieving an immediate ceasefire. State Department officials are on the ground in Malaysia to assist these peace efforts. Both President Donald Trump and I remain engaged with our respective counterparts for each country and are monitoring the situation very closely. We want this conflict to end as soon as possible,” read a press statement issued by Rubio.

Meanwhile, Rubio on Sunday held separate telephonic conversations with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, urging both nations to de-escalate tensions immediately and agree to a ceasefire over the ongoing border dispute between the two countries.