Forging Peace at the Negotiation Table: Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand Issue Joint Statement

After a special meeting held in Putrajaya, the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate ceasefire to ease tensions along the border.

Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar announced after chairing the special Thailand-Cambodia meeting at the Prime Minister's official residence in Putrajaya that both parties have reached a ceasefire agreement.

Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Puttam and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet attended the meeting held on Monday (July 28) at 3:00 pm.

The meeting also invited U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, with the U.S. as a co-organizer and China as an observer.

On Friday (25th), Anwar separately called Puttam and Hun Manet, urging both leaders to implement a ceasefire as soon as possible and return to the negotiating table to resolve the dispute peacefully.

At today's joint press conference, Anwar stated that Hun Manet and Puttam have both expressed their positions and willingness in support of an immediate ceasefire and the restoration of normalcy.

“As the current ASEAN Chair, Malaysia is ready to coordinate an observer team to verify and ensure its implementation.

“Malaysia will also consult with other ASEAN member states to participate in the observation mission, reflecting the region's commitment to on-the-ground peace.”

Anwar pointed out that Cambodia and Thailand have reached a consensus, including an unconditional ceasefire effective from midnight on July 28, local time (i.e., 12:00 am July 29).

“This is an important first step in easing tensions and restoring peace and security.”

Anwar mentioned that Thailand and Cambodia will hold an informal regional commanders' meeting at 7:00 am on July 29, followed by a meeting of defense attachés hosted by the ASEAN Chair, provided both sides agree.

He pointed out that Thailand and Cambodia will hold a General Border Committee (GBC) meeting on August 4, hosted by Cambodia.

He said that Thailand and Cambodia also agreed to resume direct communication between the two countries’ Prime Minister and Premier, as well as between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense.

He also said that the foreign ministers and defense ministers of Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand have been instructed to formulate a set of detailed mechanisms for implementing, verifying, and reporting on the ceasefire.

“This mechanism will serve as the foundation for lasting peace and accountability.”

On another note, Anwar said the meeting reaffirmed that Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand, in seeking a just and lasting resolution to the current situation, are jointly committed to upholding international law, peaceful coexistence, and multilateral cooperation.

He pointed out that U.S. President Trump has maintained contact with the two leaders and urged them to seek a peaceful solution to the situation.

He also said that China has been in close communication with Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and other relevant countries, actively promoting dialogue, ceasefire, and the restoration of peace.

“The attendance and cooperation of all parties highlight a shared commitment to promoting peace, encouraging dialogue, and maintaining regional stability.”

On Monday (July 28), the governments of Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand jointly issued a statement announcing that under the chairmanship and witness of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar, the three leaders held a special meeting in Putrajaya to address the recent escalation of tensions due to border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand.

This high-level meeting was chaired by Anwar, attended by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Puttam, co-hosted by the U.S., and actively participated in by China, aiming to facilitate a peaceful solution to the current crisis.

1. Unconditional Immediate Ceasefire: Both parties agreed to enforce an unconditional ceasefire starting at 12:00 am (local time), July 28, 2025. This is an important first step towards easing tensions and restoring peace and security.

2. Commanders' Meeting Arrangement: Both sides will hold an informal regional military commanders meeting at 7:00 am on July 29 (Thai sides: Area 1 & 2, Cambodian sides: Area 4 & 5). Subject to agreement, the defense attachés meeting will be led by the rotating ASEAN Chair.

3. Border Committee Meeting: Both sides agreed to convene a "Joint Border Committee" (GBC) meeting on August 4, 2025, in Cambodia.

As the current ASEAN Chair, Malaysia will coordinate an observer team to supervise the implementation of the ceasefire, consult with other ASEAN member states to seek regional support, and ensure peace is maintained on the ground.

Additionally, both sides agreed to resume direct communication between their respective Prime Ministers, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, and Ministers of Defense, and instructed the foreign and defense ministers of all three countries to develop a detailed mechanism for implementation, oversight, and reporting, laying the groundwork for lasting peace.

The meeting reaffirmed that Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand will continue to uphold the principles of international law, the spirit of peaceful coexistence, and the framework of multilateral cooperation, jointly promoting a fair and enduring resolution to the situation.