Thailand-Cambodia Agree to Ceasefire from Midnight
PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, July 28 (TNA) – Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to implement a ceasefire from midnight tonight and return to bilateral mechanisms to resolve their border dispute, following talks hosted by Malaysia.
Discussions on the border situation, held at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the current ASEAN chair, concluded with a joint agreement to de-escalate tensions.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai led the Thai delegation, while Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet headed the Cambodian side. The talks, which began at 3:00 PM local time and lasted over two and a half hours, were also attended by the U.S. and Chinese ambassadors to Malaysia, who served as co-mediators.
Speaking after the meeting, Phumtham stated the talks were successful, with both sides agreeing to cease hostilities on Monday effective midnight. He emphasized that the return to bilateral mechanisms for dispute resolution marked a “significant step” towards reducing violence and restoring peace and security.
Further informal discussions are scheduled for tomorrow, July 29, at 7:00 AM local time, between commanders from Thailand’s First and Second Army Regions and Cambodia’s Fourth and Fifth Military Regions. Military attachés from ASEAN nations will also be invited to observe these discussions.
Thailand also extended its gratitude to the Chinese government for its expressed concern and goodwill. -819 (TNA)