Cambodia-Thailand

PHNOM PENH — Cambodia and Thailand will continue with mediation talks to resolve their border dispute at an upcoming General Border Committee (GBC) meeting scheduled to be held in Malaysia later this week. 

The GBC which was part of a ceasefire agreement reached between the two countries at a special meeting in Putrajaya on July 28.

The GBC meeting was originally planned for August 4 in Phnom Penh. However, on Thursday, Thailand proposed Malaysia as a neutral venue and for the duration to be extended from one day to four.  

Cambodia has agreed to Thailand’s request, according to a report by Cambodian state media Agence Kampuchea Presse. 

“Cambodia agrees to Thailand’s proposal to meet GBC in Malaysia and proposes to have representatives of three countries: Malaysia, the United States of America, and China (to attend as observers),” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Tea Seiha.

The minister has agreed to a proposed August 4 to 7 date for the GBC. 

Tension between Thailand and Cambodia flared on July 24 with armed confrontations that resulted in deaths of soldiers and civilians.

The fighting ceased at midnight on July 28 when the two nations agreed to the ceasefire at the request of Malaysia, the current ASEAN Chair.

At the heart of the dispute is an 817-kilometre undemarcated border, which has strained diplomatic ties between the countries for decades. — BERNAMA

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KUALA LUMPUR — ASEAN Foreign Ministers have welcomed the outcome of a Special Meeting hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as ASEAN Chair, to de-escalate tensions between Cambodia and Thailand along the disputed border.

In a statement issued Thursday, the ministers commended Malaysia’s role in facilitating a bilateral dialogue that led to a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand.

The Special Meeting took place on Monday in Putrajaya.

They also expressed confidence that the goodwill demonstrated by both Cambodia and Thailand will lead to the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire and all decisions of the Special Meeting.

“We encourage Cambodia and Thailand to resolve the issue amicably in accordance with international law, and consistent with the principles enshrined in the United Nations (UN) Charter, ASEAN Charter, Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, and in the spirit of ASEAN family, unity and good neighbourliness.

“We hope that the ceasefire agreed by both sides will be fully implemented in good faith.

The ministers also voiced their support for Malaysia’s readiness to coordinate an observer team comprising ASEAN Member States to independently verify and monitor the implementation of the ceasefire.

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers also acknowledged the role of the United States (US) in co-organising the Special Meeting, while noting the active participation of China in promoting a peaceful resolution to the ongoing situation. 

Following the meeting, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai agreed to implement an immediate ceasefire to ease tensions in the disputed border area.

The ceasefire, which took effect late on July 28, effectively ended the clashes that had erupted since July 24.

Cambodia and Thailand have a long history of border disputes involving an 817-kilometre stretch that remains unresolved. — BERNAMA

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PHNOM PENH — Peace and tranquillity, which had eluded northern Cambodia for five days, returned at midnight on Monday, easing the tense atmosphere along the hostile borders with Thailand.

The news of the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand was much welcomed, akin to the tropical monsoon showers, which bring a temporary respite to Cambodians, especially to those living in remote northern provinces.

Cambodian geopolitical experts have welcomed the ceasefire agreement and regard it as a major diplomatic achievement, with Malaysia leading the peace talks.

“The truce comes as a welcome diplomatic breakthrough and demonstrates the mutual desire to see regional peace and stability between both governments,” a Cambodian political economist and columnist, Dr Darin Duch, told Bernama Wednesday.

“It’s a complicated situation, to be sure, but momentum in diplomacy should not be ignored. Recognition of the ceasefire opens a path for additional discussions and confidence-building.

“There are still structural issues to be addressed, but I am hopeful that ongoing dialogue and, as part of this, international legal tools, regional dialogue between the warring parties will be instrumental in addressing these,” said Darin.

The ceasefire occurred at a crucial juncture. When the armed conflict between the two countries broke out, border activities came to a grinding halt, which restricted crossings and led to social and economic turmoil. Tourism was impacted, and workers who crossed the border for trade, work, study, medical treatment, or social visits faced hardship.

Darin said that ASEAN’s role in brokering negotiations between Cambodia and Thailand has proven that regional diplomacy can work when its members are committed. 

“Even though the situation in Myanmar is lengthier and more politically delicate, I am hopeful that the recently proposed ceasefire facilitated by Malaysia, along with the United States (US) and China’s participation, reflects ASEAN’s continued relevance in promoting peace, stability and inclusive economic growth in Southeast Asia,” said Darin.

The increasing human suffering in border areas was more concerning, and their situation became fodder for malicious social media, which further damaged social harmony and intensified animosity.

“The fighting must stop; there is too much suffering on both sides. It is an unnecessary conflict, and it should not have happened. Internally displaced people are suffering in Cambodia and Thailand,” Director-General of International Relations Institute of Cambodia, Dr Kin Pheah, told Bernama. 

A special meeting between Thailand and Cambodia, held in Putrajaya on July 28, yielded positive results in the much-awaited ceasefire that quelled tensions. 

The ceasefire announcement marked a vital bilateral breakthrough between the two neighbours, especially after the sharp escalation of military confrontation since July 24. 

Both are contending over non-demarcated territories along their 817-kilometre shared border.

After weeks of political wrangling, the Cambodian and Thai governments agreed to resolve the border dispute that has taken a toll on soldiers and civilians on both sides, while rising public sentiment was detrimental for both nations.

According to the Cambodian government, over 80,000 people have been internally displaced, while five soldiers and eight civilians were killed in the five-day conflict. — BERNAMA

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KUALA LUMPUR — China commended Malaysia, the ASEAN Chair for 2025, for playing a constructive role in promoting a political solution through the ASEAN way and for mediating a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Gua Jiakun on Tuesday said the international community, particularly Malaysia, has played an active role in facilitating the special meeting between Thailand and Cambodia in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on July 28.

He said that reaching a ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand was an important step forward in advancing the peaceful settlement of the conflict, and China commends and welcomes this outcome.

“China supports Malaysia in continuing to play its role as the rotating chair of ASEAN, promoting the settlement of the issue in the ‘ASEAN way’, and backs all efforts conducive to increasing mutual trust and de-escalating the situation.

“As a friend and neighbour of Cambodia and Thailand, China will maintain close communication with all parties, including the two countries, and, based on respecting the will of Cambodia and Thailand, continue to work in our way to play a constructive role in consolidating the ceasefire agreement,” he told a press conference in Beijing. 

His remarks were posted on the Chinese Embassy’s Facebook page on Wednesday.

On Monday, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai agreed to implement an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to ease tensions in the disputed border area, following a special meeting held in Putrajaya.

Initiated by Malaysia, the meeting was hosted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his capacity as ASEAN Chair, and aimed to end the military conflict that had been raging along the Cambodian-Thai border since July 24.

The two Southeast Asian neighbours have long disputed an 817-kilometre stretch of undemarcated border. Tensions have flared since May 28, following a skirmish near the disputed Preah Vihear area that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.

The most recent hostilities began on July 24, with armed clashes reported along Cambodia’s northern border region, causing casualties on both sides. — BERNAMA

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by AKMAR ANNUAR

GERMAN Chancellor Friedrich Merz has praised Malaysia’s active role as a facilitator in brokering peace between Thailand and Cambodia, following the recent ceasefire agreement between the two South-East Asian neighbours.

In a statement issued by the US Department of State, President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated their commitment to halting all forms of violence in the affected countries.

The statement urged both governments to uphold their commitments to ending the prolonged conflict.

“We are grateful to the Prime Minister (PM) of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, for his leadership and for playing a vital role as host of the ceasefire negotiations,” the statement read.

The US also welcomed the ceasefire agreement, expressing strong support for the peace initiative.

“We urge all parties to continue implementing the agreements reached. The US remains committed and will continue to be actively engaged in the peace process jointly facilitated by Washington and Kuala Lumpur,” it added.

Anwar shared the remarks in a Facebook post yesterday, stating that Merz had conveyed his recognition during a phone call received late in the evening.

He said the praise reflected international recognition of Malaysia’s diplomatic capability and its commitment to regional peace and stability within ASEAN.

“As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia remains committed to strengthening regional unity and stability through diplomacy, dialogue and humanitarian principles.”

He also noted that the call included an exchange of views on the growing bilateral relationship between Malaysia and Germany, with both leaders expressing commitment to expand strategic cooperation across multiple sectors.

Anwar added that strong collaboration with international partners such as Germany is essential in strengthening ASEAN’s position as a principled, progressive and credible regional bloc.

On July 28, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following renewed border tensions between the two countries.

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SEOUL — South Korea’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday welcomed a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, expressing hope that the border conflict would be peacefully resolved, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Since last Thursday, the deadly border clashes between the two countries have killed at least 35 soldiers, injured over 140 people, and displaced some 260,000.

Supported by Malaysia and the United States, the two countries reached a truce agreement earlier in the day.

“The South Korean government highly values the diplomatic efforts by related countries, such as the United States and Malaysia, to reach a truce agreement,” the ministry said.

“We will continue efforts for stability and peace in the region.” — BERNAMA-YONHAP

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TOKYO — Japan on Tuesday hailed a ceasefire agreement reached by Cambodia and Thailand after days of clashes in a disputed border area, saying good ties between the two countries are “extremely important” for regional stability and development, Kyodo News reported.

“We welcome the immediate, unconditional ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told a press conference.

“We will work with other nations to call for efforts on the part of Cambodia and Thailand to ease tensions, including through the steady implementation of the ceasefire agreement,” the top Japanese government spokesman added.

The ceasefire came after a meeting in Malaysia on Monday between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai.

US President Donald Trump had put pressure on both nations to agree to a ceasefire, threatening not to reach tariff deals with them without one. — BERNAMA-KYODO

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SURIN – Thailand’s army accused Cambodia Tuesday of violating an hours-old truce, saying clashes continued despite a deal meant to end the bloody fighting that engulfed their jungle-clad frontier.

Following peace talks in Malaysia on Monday, both sides agreed an unconditional ceasefire would start at midnight to end fighting over a smattering of ancient temples in disputed zones along their 800-kilometre (500-mile) border.

“At the time the agreement took effect, the Thai side detected that Cambodian forces had launched armed attacks into several areas within Thai territory,” said Thai army spokesman Winthai Suwaree.

“This constitutes a deliberate violation of the agreement and a clear attempt to undermine mutual trust, he added in a statement. “Thailand is compelled to respond appropriately, exercising its legitimate right to self-defense.”

Cambodia’s defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata insisted there had been “no armed clashes against each other in any regions”.

However, both sides said morning meetings scheduled between opposing regional commanders along the border as part of the truce pact had either begun or were still scheduled to start.

“I saw photos of the two leaders shaking hands,” said 32-year-old pharmacy worker Kittisak Sukwilai in the Thai city of Surin — 50 kilometres from the border.

“I just hope it’s not just a photo op with fake smiles — and that those hands aren’t actually preparing to stab each other in the back.”

In Cambodia’s Samraong city — 20 kilometres from the frontier — an AFP journalist said the sound of blasts stopped in the 30 minutes leading up to midnight, with the lull continuing until mid morning.

“The frontline has eased since the ceasefire at 12 midnight,” Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said in a Tuesday morning message on Facebook.

‘Good faith’

Jets, rockets and artillery have killed at least 38 people since last Thursday and displaced nearly 300,000 more — prompting intervention from US President Donald Trump over the weekend.

The flare-up was the deadliest since violence raged sporadically from 2008-2011 over the territory, claimed by both because of a vague demarcation made by Cambodia’s French colonial administrators in 1907.

“When I heard the news I was so happy because I miss my home and my belongings that I left behind,” Phean Neth told AFP on Monday evening at a sprawling camp for Cambodian evacuees on a temple site away from the fighting.

“I am so happy that I can’t describe it,” said the 45-year-old.

A joint statement from both countries — as well as Malaysia which hosted the peace talks — said the ceasefire was “a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security”.

A spokesman for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in a statement Monday evening that “he urges both countries to respect the agreement fully and to create an environment conducive to addressing long-standing issues and achieving lasting peace”.

Both sides are courting Trump for trade deals to avert his threat of eye-watering tariffs, and the US State Department said its officials had been “on the ground” to shepherd peace talks.

The joint statement said China also had “active participation” in the talks, hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister and ASEAN bloc chair Anwar Ibrahim in his country’s administrative capital Putrajaya.

Hun Manet thanked Trump for his “decisive” support, while his counterpart, Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, said it should be “carried out in good faith by both sides”.

Post-truce tariff deals

Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn marked his 73rd birthday on Monday, but a notice in the country’s Royal Gazette said public celebrations scheduled for Bangkok’s Grand Palace had been cancelled amid the strife.

Each side had already agreed to a truce in principle, while accusing the other of undermining peace efforts and trading allegations about the use of cluster bombs and targeting of hospitals.

Thailand says 11 of its soldiers and 14 civilians have been killed, while Cambodia has confirmed only eight civilian and five military deaths.

More than 138,000 people have fled Thailand’s border regions, while around 140,000 have been driven from their homes in Cambodia. –AFP

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