(Bangkok/Phnom Penh, 28th) – After mediation by U.S. President Trump, Thailand and Cambodia have each declared their agreement to a ceasefire and accepted ASEAN’s rotating chair Malaysia as mediator.
On Sunday (July 27), a Thai government spokesperson issued a statement saying that Acting Prime Minister Phonthan of Thailand and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will meet at 3 p.m. Monday in Malaysia, at Prime Minister Anwar’s office in Putrajaya.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan confirmed that Hun Manet and Phonthan will negotiate in Malaysia to resolve the current border conflict. “Both of them have great confidence in Malaysia and have asked me to act as mediator.”
He added that he has communicated separately with the foreign ministers of both Thailand and Cambodia, and both agree that other countries should not intervene in this matter.
Mohamad Hasan also said that he is awaiting a call from U.S. Secretary of State Rubio since the U.S. wants to know how it can help. “But I believe it’s best for Malaysia to take the lead in mediation, as this is an internal ASEAN affair. As the current chair, Malaysia is duty-bound to play this role.”
On Saturday (26th), Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social, stating that he had spoken with both Hun Manet and Phonthan and that both sides hoped for an immediate ceasefire and peace.
He also said that both Thailand and Cambodia hoped to resume trade negotiations with the U.S. However, until a ceasefire is achieved, the U.S. will not reach any trade deal with Thailand or Cambodia.
On Sunday, Hun Manet agreed with Trump’s call for a ceasefire. He wrote on Facebook: “I have made it clear to President Trump that Cambodia agrees to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the armed forces of both countries.”
Hun Manet also said that Cambodia’s Foreign Minister will discuss Cambodia–Thailand relations with Rubio, but he cautioned Bangkok not to breach any agreements.
Thailand has also agreed to a ceasefire in principle and wishes to hold bilateral talks with Cambodia as soon as possible. However, on Sunday, Phonthan told the media that the ceasefire agreement must include conditions, such as resolving disputes through bilateral dialogue, withdrawing troops, and ceasing the use of lethal weapons.
Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Nikonde added: “The precondition is Cambodia’s sincerity. We have always hoped to resolve disputes peacefully through negotiation, but before that, Cambodia must demonstrate sincerity.”
On Sunday, Rubio also spoke with the foreign ministers of both Thailand and Cambodia, urging both sides to immediately deescalate tensions and stating that the U.S. stands ready to assist in negotiations.
Although Thailand and Cambodia have each expressed willingness to agree to a ceasefire, both countries exchanged fire again on Sunday for the fourth consecutive day. A Cambodian Ministry of Defense spokesperson said the Thai military attacked areas surrounding the disputed border from 4:50 a.m. The Thai army spokesperson, however, claimed the Cambodian troops began shelling strategic border areas of Surin and Ubon provinces from 4 a.m.
On Sunday (July 27), a Thai government spokesperson issued a statement saying that Acting Prime Minister Phonthan of Thailand and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will meet at 3 p.m. Monday in Malaysia, at Prime Minister Anwar’s office in Putrajaya.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan confirmed that Hun Manet and Phonthan will negotiate in Malaysia to resolve the current border conflict. “Both of them have great confidence in Malaysia and have asked me to act as mediator.”
He added that he has communicated separately with the foreign ministers of both Thailand and Cambodia, and both agree that other countries should not intervene in this matter.
Mohamad Hasan also said that he is awaiting a call from U.S. Secretary of State Rubio since the U.S. wants to know how it can help. “But I believe it’s best for Malaysia to take the lead in mediation, as this is an internal ASEAN affair. As the current chair, Malaysia is duty-bound to play this role.”
On Saturday (26th), Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social, stating that he had spoken with both Hun Manet and Phonthan and that both sides hoped for an immediate ceasefire and peace.
He also said that both Thailand and Cambodia hoped to resume trade negotiations with the U.S. However, until a ceasefire is achieved, the U.S. will not reach any trade deal with Thailand or Cambodia.
On Sunday, Hun Manet agreed with Trump’s call for a ceasefire. He wrote on Facebook: “I have made it clear to President Trump that Cambodia agrees to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the armed forces of both countries.”
Hun Manet also said that Cambodia’s Foreign Minister will discuss Cambodia–Thailand relations with Rubio, but he cautioned Bangkok not to breach any agreements.
Thailand has also agreed to a ceasefire in principle and wishes to hold bilateral talks with Cambodia as soon as possible. However, on Sunday, Phonthan told the media that the ceasefire agreement must include conditions, such as resolving disputes through bilateral dialogue, withdrawing troops, and ceasing the use of lethal weapons.
Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Nikonde added: “The precondition is Cambodia’s sincerity. We have always hoped to resolve disputes peacefully through negotiation, but before that, Cambodia must demonstrate sincerity.”
On Sunday, Rubio also spoke with the foreign ministers of both Thailand and Cambodia, urging both sides to immediately deescalate tensions and stating that the U.S. stands ready to assist in negotiations.
Although Thailand and Cambodia have each expressed willingness to agree to a ceasefire, both countries exchanged fire again on Sunday for the fourth consecutive day. A Cambodian Ministry of Defense spokesperson said the Thai military attacked areas surrounding the disputed border from 4:50 a.m. The Thai army spokesperson, however, claimed the Cambodian troops began shelling strategic border areas of Surin and Ubon provinces from 4 a.m.