Midnight Truce Announced Following Malaysia-Led Mediation
PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA – In a breakthrough moment after five days of deadly border violence, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an unconditional ceasefire, effective from midnight on July 28, 2025, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on Monday.
“Both Cambodia and Thailand reached a common understanding as follows: One, an immediate and unconditional ceasefire with effect from 24 hours local time, midnight tonight,” Anwar said at a press briefing following emergency mediation talks in Putrajaya, where Malaysia serves as the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The conflict, centered around a long-disputed border zone featuring ancient temple complexes, has displaced over 200,000 civilians and caused dozens of casualties. Heavy exchanges of artillery, rockets, and gunfire had been ongoing since last Thursday.
International Pressure Mounts as Leaders Meet in Malaysia
The talks, hosted at the Seri Perdana official residence, brought together Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, with delegations from the United States and China observing. The ceasefire breakthrough followed a late-night call from U.S. President Donald Trump, urging both nations to end hostilities and engage in dialogue.
Tensions were high leading into the meeting, with both sides trading fresh accusations. Thai PM Phumtham claimed Cambodia had shown a lack of sincerity, while Cambodian defence ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata accused Thailand of “invading Cambodia’s territory with heavy weapons” and escalating troop deployments.
Despite the friction, Malaysia’s diplomatic push and mounting global pressure appear to have helped break the deadlock. The ceasefire will be closely monitored by ASEAN and international stakeholders, who are calling for a permanent resolution through peaceful negotiation.
