Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed the ceasefire agreed between Cambodia and Thailand even with only four days remaining in his 2025 ASEAN chairmanship. On his official Facebook page, Anwar said: “I welcome the ceasefire agreed by Cambodia and Thailand, which takes effect at 12 noon local time.” He added that the decision to stop fighting and maintain forces at their respective existing positions reflected a shared recognition that restraint was necessary, particularly in civilians’ interests.
Anwar said the joint statement set out practical, positive measures, including verification by the ASEAN Observer Team and direct communication between defence authorities. These provided a basis for stability, he said, expressing hope that both sides would implement them with the utmost sincerity. He also noted that Malaysia would hand over the ASEAN chairmanship to the Philippines at midnight as January 1, 2026 began, and said Malaysia would support all efforts to ensure those efforts were respected and that ASEAN’s dignity and credibility as a region of peace were upheld.
According to the outcome of the third special General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, chaired by the Cambodian and Thai defence ministers on December 27, both countries agreed to an immediate ceasefire from noon on December 27, 2025. After the ceasefire had been fully maintained for 72 hours, the 18 Cambodian soldiers captured and held by Thailand were also expected to be released and returned.
By: Nget Pisant
