Cambodia and Thailand have reached an agreement to implement a ceasefire starting at midnight on July 28,  following high-level peace talks held in Kuala Lumpur earlier today between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, according to Kiripost. 

The decision, which brings a halt to five days of escalating violence along the border, was made during a dialogue facilitated by Malaysia in its capacity as ASEAN Chair, with co-organisation by the United States and the involvement of China.

According to the agreement, hostilities between the two nations will cease immediately and unconditionally as of 12:00am on July 28. Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed gratitude to his Thai counterpart and voiced hope that the breakthrough would pave the way for renewed bilateral discussions, aimed at restoring diplomatic relations and promoting long-term stability along the border.

As part of the de-escalation efforts, an informal gathering between Cambodian and Thai regional military commanders, specifically from Cambodia’s Military Regions 4 and 5, and Thailand’s Regions 1 and 2, is scheduled for 7:00 am on July 29. This will be followed by a broader meeting involving defence attachés, to be chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

In a joint press conference following the talks, Prime Minister Anwar announced that Cambodia will host a General Border Committee meeting on August 4 to further develop frameworks for peaceful cooperation.

Both nations have agreed to resume direct communication between their prime ministers, foreign ministers, and defence ministers. Anwar also revealed that foreign and defence officials from Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand have been instructed to establish a detailed mechanism to guide the implementation, monitoring, and verification of the ceasefire. “This mechanism will form the basis for enduring peace and mutual accountability,” he stated.

The peace negotiations, which came as clashes entered their fifth day, were actively mediated by Malaysia and supported by the United States, with China also taking part. While Prime Minister Hun Manet had consistently advocated for a ceasefire, progress only materialised after intervention by US President Donald Trump.

Hun Manet acknowledged both Anwar and Trump for their instrumental roles in brokering the agreement. “This was a highly productive meeting, delivering immediate and meaningful outcomes to halt the violence that has caused numerous deaths, injuries, and displacement,” he said.

He disclosed that approximately 300,000 individuals had been displaced by the conflict, 140,000 in Cambodia and 160,000 in Thailand. He expressed optimism that the ceasefire would serve as a stepping stone towards normalised relations and regional stability.

“I fully appreciate today’s result and am confident it will bring about positive change for hundreds of thousands of citizens on both sides,” he stated. “It is time to end the fighting and begin rebuilding trust, confidence, and cooperation between our two nations.”

Acting Prime Minister Wechayachai echoed this sentiment, emphasising Thailand’s commitment to a peaceful resolution. “While steadfast in defending our sovereignty and protecting our citizens, we are prepared to pursue all necessary guarantees to ensure the ceasefire is honoured sincerely by both parties,” he affirmed.