Thailand-Cambodia

SEREMBAN — The Thailand-Cambodia General Border Committee (GBC) meeting held today discussed, among other matters, the terms of reference for implementing the ceasefire agreement signed in Malaysia on July 28, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (picture).

He hoped that both countries would agree on the terms of reference discussed at the technical committee level before they are brought to the high-level ministerial meeting between the two countries on Aug 7 in Kuala Lumpur.

“A permanent ceasefire agreement has been reached. We are now at the stage of outlining the terms of reference, which were discussed today at the technical committee level. We hope both parties can agree to the proposed terms.

“Most importantly, we want to establish an ASEAN Monitoring Team to ensure the ceasefire is upheld. This would allow the two neighbouring countries to come together and ensure that their people can reconnect across the border as before,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after attending the Negeri Sembilan State Assembly sitting here today. 

Mohamad also expressed confidence that both sides would have no major issues agreeing to the proposed terms, although they each presented some additional suggestions.

Tensions along the border began with a skirmish on May 28, which escalated into a full-fledged armed conflict on July 24.

On July 28, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following a special meeting in Putrajaya chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as the ASEAN Chair. — BERNAMA

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KUALA LUMPUR — Perikatan Nasional (PN) today congratulated and commended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his key role in arranging a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia.

PN deputy chairman and Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said the coalition welcomed any Malaysian involvement in efforts to strengthen regional stability.

“Whatever role played by the Honourable Tambun member (Anwar), even if described by some as simply that of a host, it remains a contribution that will be recorded in history. I offer my congratulations and appreciation.

“What’s important is that Malaysia continues to be respected as a sovereign nation and is regarded as a credible balancing power in the Southeast Asian region,” he said when debating the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in the Dewan Rakyat today.

On July 28, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an unconditional and immediate ceasefire following a special meeting in Putrajaya chaired by Anwar. 

At the meeting, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai also agreed to convene a General Border Committee Meeting as part of the ceasefire agreement.

In line with this, Hamzah called for Malaysia to remain consistent in championing global peace and to boldly express firm stances against all forms of cruelty and oppression, especially in light of today’s fragile geopolitical environment.

“The ongoing humanitarian crisis and genocide in Gaza, the war in Eastern Europe, prolonged conflicts in the Middle East, and the tensions between Thailand and Cambodia all have direct or indirect impacts on Malaysia.

“To safeguard the country’s diplomatic and strategic interests from all angles, the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and the entire Cabinet bear a great responsibility to ensure their statements and actions remain composed and measured,” he said.

On the 19 per cent tariff imposed by the United States (US) on Malaysia, Hamzah said PN holds a firm view that the country must trade with dignity, especially in defending its sovereignty and national interests.

The US has imposed a 19 per cent tariff on Malaysian goods effective Aug 1, a drop from the 25 per cent it proposed earlier. — BERNAMA

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PETALING JAYA — Malaysia’s diplomatic efforts in addressing the Cambodia-Thailand conflict must be respected by all parties, regardless of political differences, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said. 

She said Malaysia’s role in facilitating the ceasefire between the two nations should not be ridiculed or made light of by anyone, including political figures.

“Although there are political differences, no leader should make fun of this. I understand that in politics, especially from the opposition, there is bound to be criticism of the government and its leaders.

“But don’t make fun of this. It is a serious matter affecting ASEAN countries, and lives have been lost. Do not belittle the leaders of other nations either,” she told reporters after delivering her remarks at the Malaysia-China Tech & Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference 2025 here today.

Teo said the role played by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in facilitating the ceasefire agreement is something all Malaysians should be proud of. 

She said the Prime Minister had made full use of Malaysia’s position as ASEAN Chair to host a key meeting which led to the immediate ceasefire agreement between Bangkok and Phnom Penh.

“As Malaysians, we should be proud of what the Prime Minister has achieved as a national leader and what Malaysia has accomplished as ASEAN Chair.

“I believe he (Anwar) has done an excellent job, not just for Thailand and Cambodia, but for the entire ASEAN region,” she said.

Yesterday, Anwar announced that both Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to de-escalate tensions along the disputed border, following a special meeting chaired by him in Putrajaya.

The meeting was attended by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. — BERNAMA

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KUALA LUMPUR — Germany has expressed its appreciation to Malaysia for playing an active mediating role in resolving the recent border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said the recognition was conveyed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during a phone call late yesterday evening.

“This is a recognition of Malaysia’s regional diplomatic capability and commitment to upholding peace and stability within ASEAN.

“As 2025 ASEAN Chair, Malaysia remains committed to strengthening regional unity and stability through diplomacy, dialogue, and humanitarian principles,” Anwar posted on Facebook today.

The Prime Minister said, during their conversation, he and Merz also exchanged views on the increasingly strong Malaysia-Germany bilateral relationship, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to expanding strategic cooperation across various sectors. 

“Close partnerships with international allies such as Germany are crucial to strengthening ASEAN’s role as a credible, progressive, and principled regional bloc,” said Anwar.

The commendation follows Anwar’s swift and effective diplomacy that prompted Thailand and Cambodia to agree to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to de-escalate tensions along their disputed borders.

The breakthrough came after a special meeting chaired by Anwar in Putrajaya yesterday.

The high-level talks were attended by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, and have since received international praise for Malaysia’s role in facilitating dialogue and peace in the region. — BERNAMA

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BANGKOK — The announcement of immediate ceasefire reached between Cambodia and Thailand following talks in Malaysia, has received a wide coverage in the Thai media. 

Thairath, one of Thailand’s oldest and best-selling newspapers, featured the development on its front page on Tuesday under the headline: “Unconditional Ceasefire: Thailand and Cambodia Continue Bilateral Relations.”

The Thai-language daily also published a photograph of Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim shaking hands with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.

Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire along the dispute border region effective 2400hrs on July 28, after a special meeting chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar, who is also current ASEAN Chair, on Monday.

The meeting, held in Putrajaya, was attended by Manet and Phumtham.

The agreement was widely considered as crucial for regional security, ASEAN unity, and the continuity of cross-border trade and tourism.

Thailand’s Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS) on its World segment, also highlighted the development, reporting that “Thailand and Cambodia agree to ‘unconditional’ ceasefire starting midnight.”

Meanwhile, the Bangkok Post – Thailand’s only English-language daily newspaper – reported on its website under the headline: “Thailand and Cambodia agree truce after five days of fighting.”

The Bangkok Post also noted that the recent flare-up was the deadliest since sporadic clashes erupted between 2008 and 2011 over disputed territory.

The two Southeast Asian neighbours have long contested an 817-kilometre stretch of undemarcated border.

Tensions have been rising since 28 May, following a skirmish near the contested Preah Vihear area that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.

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

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KUALA LUMPUR — The European Union (EU) has commended Malaysia’s efforts in facilitating a ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, marking a significant breakthrough after days of deadly border clashes.

The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas (picture), said it is vital for both countries to implement the ceasefire in good faith.

“I thank Malaysia as ASEAN Chair for helping facilitate the negotiation process,” she said in a post on the X platform.

During the Thailand-Cambodia special meeting held in Malaysia’s administrative capital Putrajaya, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai agreed to halt all fighting, ending the armed clashes between their respective armies that began on July 24. — BERNAMA

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JAKARTA — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (picture) today clarified that his sole focus in the recent Thai-Cambodian conflict was on finding a peaceful resolution to ensure ASEAN’s continued stability and security.

The Prime Minister firmly dismissed the claim that there was external pressure from global powers, reaffirming that the major breakthrough came through direct regional diplomacy.

“I just focused on the solution. That’s what I conveyed to both China and the United States,” Anwar said during a meeting with the Association of Malaysian Indonesian Journalists (ISWAMI) and chief editors of major Indonesian media outlets here today.

Anwar said that he personally contacted both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on July 24, leading to a temporary ceasefire between the two nations.

“They needed some time for their troops to withdraw, but unfortunately, the conflict resumed the following day (July 25),” he said. 

Anwar was responding to speculations suggesting that the ceasefire was a result of pressure from United States President Donald Trump, allegedly tied to tariff threats against Cambodia and Thailand.

Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following a special meeting in Putrajaya, Malaysia, yesterday, which was chaired by Anwar himself and attended by both Hun Manet and Phumtham.

The meeting received widespread international media coverage, including in Indonesia, with many commending Anwar’s role in facilitating the landmark ceasefire and reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a constructive force in regional diplomacy. — BERNAMA

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by AUFA MARDHIAH

MALAYSIA’S neutral diplomacy and regional credibility plays a key role in brokering the Thai-Cambodia ceasefire, but experts say the influence of global powers and ASEAN’s central role must not be overlooked.

Geopolitical analyst Prof Azmi Hassan said Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim effectively used Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship and history of peace-brokering to gain diplomatic access, despite early resistance from Thailand.

“As chairman of ASEAN, we had the right to intervene — even though Thailand was reluctant at first. Malaysia positioned itself as a neutral and beneficial third party,” he told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR), citing Malaysia’s past roles in the Bangsamoro peace process, Aceh negotiations and talks with southern Thai insurgents.

He added that Anwar’s invitation to both China and the US to join the talks was strategic and that he “understood the weight of their presence alone”. The move further recognises the two superpower’s significant influence over Thailand and Cambodia, while keeping Malaysia in control of the process.

Commenting on the US response, he noted that while President Donald Trump indirectly praised the outcome, he was disappointed that Malaysia was not explicitly credited.

“Trump only stepped in on the fourth day of the conflict. On his Twitter (X), he mentioned the success of the ceasefire but not Malaysia. It is frustrating, but Trump is Trump — he likes to portray it as his own doing,” he said.

To ensure the truce holds, Azmi said Anwar has tasked Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan with working closely with his counterparts in Thailand and Cambodia to monitor the 24-hour ceasefire and prepare for the next steps.

“What matters most is what happens after the 24th hour — whether the ceasefire can progress into something more permanent,” he said.

Meanwhile, principal advisor to the Pacific Research Centre, Malaysia, Dr Oh Ei Sun credited the ceasefire to the combined efforts of three actors — the superpowers, ASEAN and Malaysia.

He said China’s strong influence over Cambodia and Thailand’s tendency to balance its ties between the US and China, made the involvement of both powers critical.

He added that while ASEAN deserved recognition for upholding its principle of regional centrality, credit was also due to Malaysia and Anwar for providing the diplomatic platform that enabled the talks.

However, he cautioned against viewing the development as a long-term shift in Malaysia’s foreign policy clout.

“I frankly think this is more of a one-off affair,” he said, citing Malaysia’s soft approach toward the Myanmar crisis as an example of inconsistency.

He also advised Anwar to balance international ambitions with domestic priorities.

“Anwar is always diplomatically ambitious and wants Malaysia to play a bigger regional and global role. 

“But he is well advised to focus more on resolving local political and economic issues before stepping confidently onto the world stage,” he said.

Tensions between Thailand-Cambodia escalated on July 24, witnessing Cambodian forces launch rocket and artillery attacks into Thai territory, prompting Thailand to deploy F-16 fighter jets in response. 

News reports on July 28 stated that at least 38 civilians were killed and hundreds of thousands were displaced from the incident.

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