Putrajaya, Malaysia – July 28: Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire effective midnight (local time) on July 28, following days of deadly violence along their disputed border, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on Monday.
The announcement came after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai held emergency talks in Putrajaya, Malaysia’s administrative capital. The meeting was mediated by Malaysia, which currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
According to Malaysia’s foreign ministry, the ceasefire deal was supported by both the United States and China. US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan and Chinese Ambassador Ouyang Yujing were present, with the US co-organising the talks and China attending as an observer.
35 Killed, Over 200 Injured in Escalation
The recent hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia have left at least 35 people dead and over 200 injured, including civilians, based on figures provided by both governments. Each side blames the other for starting the latest round of fighting, which follows decades of unresolved border disputes.
Despite reported artillery exchanges, both leaders pledged commitment to de-escalation. A follow-up military commanders’ meeting is scheduled for 7 AM on July 29, involving regional military units and potentially ASEAN defence attachés.
“This ceasefire is a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace,” a joint statement from the three governments said.
Malaysia called the meeting a demonstration of “shared commitment to peace, dialogue, and regional stability.”
US President Donald J Trump, in a statement via the Malaysian government, urged both sides to reach a peaceful resolution. The Chinese side has also been in close contact with all parties to support the dialogue process, as per the same source.