[LIVE] Thailand and Cambodian agree to ceasefire following peace talks in Malaysia: PM Anwar Ibrahim

Key Concepts

• Immediate Ceasefire: A cessation of hostilities between Cambodia and Thailand, effective midnight on July 28, 2025.
• Regional Commanders Meeting: A meeting between military commanders from both sides to be held on July 29, 2025, at 7:00 AM.
• General Border Committee (GBC): A meeting between defense ministers from both countries, hosted by Cambodia on August 4, 2025.
• ASEAN Observation Team: A team coordinated by Malaysia to verify and ensure the implementation of the ceasefire.
• Direct Communications: Resumption of direct communication channels between the prime ministers, foreign ministers, and defense ministers of Cambodia and Thailand.
• Mechanism for Implementation, Verification, and Reporting: A detailed plan developed by the foreign ministers and defense ministers of Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand to ensure the ceasefire's effectiveness.
• Peaceful Resolution: A commitment to resolving the conflict through dialogue, negotiation, and adherence to international law.
• Regional Stability: The maintenance of peace and security in the ASEAN region through cooperation and conflict resolution.

Joint Press Release and Key Agreements

The Prime Minister of Malaysia hosted a special meeting with the Prime Minister of Cambodia and the acting Prime Minister of Thailand, co-organized by the United States of America with the active participation of the People's Republic of China, resulting in a joint press release outlining agreements to promote a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict between Cambodia and Thailand.

The key agreements reached include:

1. Immediate and Unconditional Ceasefire: Effective midnight on July 28, 2025 (24 hours local time), both sides agreed to an immediate cessation of hostilities. This is considered a crucial first step towards de-escalation and restoring peace and security.
2. Meeting of Regional Commanders: An informal meeting of regional military commanders (regional military one and two on the Thai side, and regional military four and five on the Cambodian side) is scheduled for 7:00 AM on July 29, 2025. This will be followed by a meeting with defense attaches led by the chair of ASEAN if both sides agreeable.
3. General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting: A meeting of the GBC will be hosted by Cambodia on August 4, 2025.
4. ASEAN Observation Team: Malaysia, as the current chair of ASEAN, will coordinate and observe a team to verify and ensure the implementation of the ceasefire. Malaysia will consult with fellow ASEAN member states to participate in the observation effort.
5. Resumption of Direct Communications: Both sides agreed to resume direct communications between their respective prime ministers, foreign ministers, and defense ministers.
6. Detailed Mechanism for Implementation, Verification, and Reporting: The foreign ministers and defense ministers of Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand have been instructed to develop a detailed mechanism for the implementation, verification, and reporting of the ceasefire.

Statements from Leaders

• Prime Minister of Malaysia: Expressed deep appreciation to the Prime Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand for their participation in frank discussions aimed at securing peace. He highlighted the positive developments resulting from their efforts and the shared commitment to regional stability.
• Prime Minister of Cambodia: Thanked Prime Minister Anvar Ibrahim of Malaysia for hosting the meeting and mediating the ceasefire. He also expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump for his mediation efforts and to the government of China for their participation in the process. He noted the significant displacement of people due to the conflict, with approximately 300,000 refugees (140,000 on the Cambodian side and 160,000 on the Thai side). He expressed hope that the agreements would facilitate bilateral discussions and a return to normalcy.
• Acting Prime Minister of Thailand: Expressed sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Anba, the government of China, and President Trump for their concern and support. He affirmed Thailand's desire for a peaceful resolution while protecting its sovereignty and the lives of its people. He agreed that the agreements would be carried out successfully in good faith by both sides.

International Involvement

• United States: President Donald J. Trump contacted the leaders of both Cambodia and Thailand, urging them to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The United States co-organized the meeting in support of peace.
• China: The Chinese side maintained close contact with Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia, actively promoting dialogue, ceasefire, and the restoration of peace.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The joint press conference highlighted a significant step towards de-escalating the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand. The agreements reached, including the immediate ceasefire, meetings of military commanders and the GBC, and the establishment of an ASEAN observation team, demonstrate a commitment from all parties to pursue a peaceful resolution. The involvement of Malaysia as the ASEAN chair, along with the support of the United States and China, underscores the regional and international importance of resolving the conflict and restoring stability. The leaders expressed hope that these measures would alleviate the suffering of displaced populations and pave the way for renewed cooperation and trust between Cambodia and Thailand.