KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s diplomatic push to end hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia drew strong praise, with leaders from both countries and the United States hailing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s role in securing a ceasefire agreement.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet described the outcome of the special meeting in Putrajaya as a “brilliant result”, expressing deep appreciation for Anwar’s initiative in convening the talks.
“I thank Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for taking the initiative to coordinate and host the meeting. I believe this ceasefire agreement is a key basis for building mutual trust and improving the situation towards normalcy,” Manet said in a Facebook post following his return to Phnom Penh.
He also extended thanks to the United States and China for backing the peace efforts, adding that the agreement marked a crucial step toward restoring peace and security in the region.
Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai also welcomed the breakthrough, thanking Anwar and the Malaysian government, along with US President Donald Trump and the Chinese government, for their support and concern.
“The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to international law, peaceful coexistence and multilateral cooperation in resolving the conflict fairly and sustainably,” said government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap in a statement.
Phumtham, he added, highlighted the importance of confidence-building measures and communication between both countries’ top political and defence leaders to ensure the ceasefire holds.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington applauds the ceasefire declaration and is “grateful to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his leadership and for hosting the talks”.
He stressed the importance of both parties fully honouring their commitments and confirmed continued US engagement in the Malaysian-led peace process.
“We urge all parties to follow through,” he said.
Ceasefire agreement and background The ceasefire agreement, which took effect at midnight, followed a nearly two-and-a-half-hour meeting between Hun Manet and Phumtham at Anwar’s official residence in Putrajaya yesterday.
It was the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since tensions escalated along their shared border.
The US co-organised the meeting, while China participated as an observer. Also present were US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan and Chinese Ambassador Ouyang Yujing.
Malaysia, as Asean chair, is expected to coordinate the formation of an observer team to monitor compliance with the ceasefire.
Clashes between Cambodian and Thai troops have erupted intermittently since May 28, with a fatal skirmish near the Preah Vihear area triggering renewed tensions. The situation escalated further on July 24, leading to several days of armed conflict.
To date, at least 13 people – both civilians and soldiers – have been killed, and more than 80,000 displaced from the northern Cambodian border region.
The dispute centres on an 817-kilometre undemarcated stretch of the Thailand–Cambodia border, a long-standing flashpoint in bilateral ties. – July 29, 2025
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