Cambodia and Thailand announce immediate and unconditional ceasefire starting at midnight

Phnom Penh – 28 July 2025 – The leaders of Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to implement an immediate and unconditional ceasefire starting at midnight tonight, announced His Excellency Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, at a press conference held in Putrajaya following a closed-door meeting this afternoon.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and Thai interim Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai have reached agreement on several key points aimed at ‘restoring peace and strengthening bilateral cooperation.’

This announcement, made in a joint statement read by the Malaysian Prime Minister, marks a crucial step towards stabilising a region that has been violently shaken by border tensions. Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and Thai interim Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai have reached agreement on several key points aimed at ‘restoring peace and strengthening bilateral cooperation’.

An immediate ceasefire, the starting point for a lasting de-escalation

The ceasefire will take effect at midnight local time on 28 July 2025, halting all military action on the ground. This decision aims to create a climate conducive to calm negotiations and a return to normalcy in the regions affected by the recent clashes.

An informal meeting of regional commanders from both armies, representing the border areas involved, will take place at 7 a.m. on 29 July. These exchanges on the ground will be followed, if both sides agree, by a meeting with defence attachés from the region, chaired by the rotating chair of ASEAN.

In addition, the General Border Committee (GBC) will meet on 4 August 2025 in Cambodia to continue the dialogue and resolve disputes through diplomatic channels.

The key role of Malaysia and ASEAN in mediation

As the current chair of ASEAN, Malaysia is committed to coordinating a neutral observation mission to verify compliance with the ceasefire. Kuala Lumpur also plans to mobilise other ASEAN member states to strengthen this monitoring mechanism.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also emphasised the restoration of direct communications between the prime ministers and foreign and defence ministers of both countries in order to maintain an open, transparent and effective channel of dialogue.

Towards a solid framework for lasting peace

The foreign and defence ministers of Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand have been tasked with developing a detailed mechanism for the implementation, verification and monitoring of the ceasefire. This mechanism must not only ensure immediate compliance with the agreement, but also establish mutual accountability capable of preventing any resurgence of conflict.

The joint communiqué strongly emphasises the three countries' shared commitment to the principles of international law, peaceful coexistence and multilateral cooperation, with a view to a just and lasting resolution of the crisis.

An initiative supported by the major powers

This exceptional meeting, co-organised by the United States with the active participation of the People's Republic of China, illustrates an unprecedented international mobilisation to promote a peaceful outcome to a situation that has long been a source of tension.

The consensus reached this afternoon thus opens a new era of hope for the region, marked by a collective approach in which dialogue, respect and cooperation are now the pillars of a more stable future.

This major breakthrough, the result of concerted and discreet diplomatic efforts, demonstrates the positive impact of resolute multilateral action in resolving regional conflicts. As midnight approaches in Phnom Penh, Bangkok and beyond, the international community is following the implementation of this agreement with hope, hoping that the ceasefire will mark the definitive end of hostilities.