Thailand and Cambodia agree to ‘unconditional’ ceasefire starting midnight

Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an unconditional ceasefire today, effective from midnight, and will hold bilateral talks at multiple levels to end the bloody border conflict and return to normality, said Malaysia’s prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, who currently chairs ASEAN and was acting a mediator.

“Both Cambodia and Thailand reached a common understanding, namely an immediate and unconditional ceasefire with effect from 24:00 local time, midnight on July 28, 2025,” Anwar said.

He was speaking after the first meeting between the two neighbouring countries, which have been engaged in cross-border skirmishes since July 24.

Anwar described the outcome of the special meeting, between Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet, as a positive development. Both leaders held a frank discussion and showed strong commitment to restoring peace and normality in their countries and the region, he noted.

Anwar thanked the representatives of China and the United States for their participation, expressing appreciation to US President Donald Trump, who has been in contact with the leaders of both countries to help find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

China, Anwar said, has maintained close contact with Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, as well as other relevant countries, actively promoting dialogue, ceasefire efforts and the process of restoring peace, with cooperation from all parties involved.

“The immediate ceasefire tonight is a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security,” Anwar said.

Regional commanders from both countries will meet tomorrow morning and will take turns visiting each other’s territories.

Further talks will be held through existing mechanisms, with ASEAN tasked with verifying and ensuring implementation.

Communication between the respective prime ministers and defence ministers will resume as part of efforts to restore peace between the two nations. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the rule of law, peaceful coexistence and multilateral cooperation, in pursuit of a just and lasting resolution to the situation, according to Anwar.

Hun Manet said the ceasefire offers a way “to move forward,” noting that he had a very productive meeting, which led to an immediate end to the fighting, in which there have been numerous casualties, injuries and widespread displacement.

“The solution will provide a condition for moving forward, returning the relationship to normality and laying a foundation for future de-escalation,” he said.

“I confidently believe that the result we achieved today will provide many opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people on both sides to return to normal life, end the conflict and begin rebuilding trust, confidence and cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand,” he said.

Phumtham said he was grateful to all countries that took part in the meeting, adding, “Today’s outcome reflects Thailand’s desire for a peaceful resolution, while continuing to protect our sovereignty and the lives of our people.”