Thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire To Focus On Withdrawal Of Heavy Weapons, Removal Of Landmines - Mohamad Hasan

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- The withdrawal of heavy weapons by Thailand and Cambodia from border areas, as well as the removal and destruction of explosives or landmines, are among the key elements in the ceasefire agreement between the two countries, which is expected to be finalised at the 47th ASEAN Summit.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the deal will also include the establishment of an ASEAN Observer Team to monitor the situation in the conflict-affected border region.

He said the initiative aims to preserve the ceasefire that has been in place since July, following the agreement by both the Cambodian and Thai prime ministers at the time to halt hostilities.

“We want to ensure there are no further violations of the ceasefire. Since July 28, although the ceasefire has been implemented, there have been minor breaches – not involving firearms, but using slingshots,” he told a press conference here today.

Mohamad said ASEAN hopes the ceasefire will hold and called on both countries to continue dialogue and work towards a peaceful resolution of their border demarcation issue.

“Malaysia will not interfere in border matters, in line with the ASEAN Charter’s principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states,” he added.

The Foreign Minister also extended condolences to the Thai royal family and the people of Thailand on the passing of Queen Mother Sirikit Kitiyakara yesterday.

Asked whether the ceasefire agreement would be signed by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Mohamad said the timing of his arrival still depends on the arrival of United States President Donald Trump.

“We already have a set schedule, but it may change depending on President Trump’s itinerary,” he said.

Mohamad said the opening ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit will be held tomorrow morning, followed by plenary and retreat sessions, as well as special ASEAN meetings with the United States, Japan and India, and the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) meeting.

“This time, we had to reorganise the schedule. Usually, the first day of the summit is reserved for ASEAN-only sessions. However, since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has only just arrived and must return to Tokyo soon ahead of President Trump’s visit there, adjustments had to be made.

“Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi initially planned to leave earlier but could not do so. Nevertheless, he will still participate in the ASEAN–India Summit as decided, through an online link,” he said.

Thailand and Cambodia have long been locked in a border dispute stretching 817 kilometres, with the latest flare-up on 24 July leading to a military confrontation.

On July 28, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hosted a crucial meeting in Putrajaya between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, which successfully eased tensions along their shared border.

The ceasefire, seen as a major ASEAN achievement, has helped prevent the conflict from escalating and ensured the safety of thousands of civilians.

Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025 under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, will host the regional summit from tomorrow until Oct 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

-- BERNAMA