Anwar's Diplomacy Secures Cambodia-Thailand Truce, Boosts ASEAN Spirit

KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s success in brokering a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand is a victory for the ASEAN spirit and a testament to his steadfast commitment to dialogue-driven diplomacy.

Chairman of the RIGHTS Foundation, Mohd Yusmadi Mohd Yusoff, in extending his heartfelt congratulations, said Anwar’s statesmanship and moral authority have once again demonstrated that principled, inclusive, and dialogical leadership can resolve even the most entrenched regional tensions.

The author of ‘Anwar Ibrahim: Global Justice and Peace Through Dialogue’ noted that the successful ceasefire is not merely a diplomatic breakthrough but a victory for the ASEAN spirit, for regional stability, and, most importantly, for the people of Cambodia and Thailand, who deserve peace and security.

“I hope this will inspire further efforts to institutionalise dialogue and preventive diplomacy within ASEAN and beyond,” the former Senator and Member of Parliament said in a statement today.

Thailand and Cambodia agree to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire amid rising tensions along their disputed border, following a special meeting held in Putrajaya chaired by Anwar today.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai affirmed their commitment to de-escalation, agreeing to an immediate ceasefire and a return to normalcy effective from 2400 hours (local time) on July 28, 2025.

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia had escalated since May 28 following a skirmish between troops near the disputed Preah Vihear border area, which resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.

Meanwhile, Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM) president Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin said the achievement reaffirmed ASEAN’s continued relevance as a platform for regional conflict resolution.

He said the ceasefire also highlighted Malaysia’s success as ASEAN Chair in uniting regional strength with the support of major powers such as the United States of America and China, who co-sponsored this historic negotiation.

“ABIM urges these major powers to continue supporting ASEAN’s peace-driven approach, refrain from exploiting conflicts for strategic interests and instead, respect regional leadership and strengthen local capacities to resolve conflicts with sovereignty and dignity,” he said in a statement.

Ahmad Fahmi said that ABIM also called on all parties to fully comply with the ceasefire agreement and to immediately cease all forms of armed provocation, effective from midnight.

“ABIM also recommends that ASEAN promptly establish an independent and neutral monitoring team to ensure smooth implementation of the ceasefire within the agreed period in line with the spirit of the negotiations,” he added.

As a manifestation of regional solidarity, he said ASEAN humanitarian aid must be delivered urgently to all affected, particularly displaced communities, families who have lost their homes and those who have suffered casualties due to the conflict.

“ABIM further urges the people of Thailand and Cambodia, including their digital communities, to refrain from spreading provocation, hate narratives or unfounded accusations on social media platforms. 

“Such a responsible approach is crucial in reviving the spirit of mutual respect and cross-border harmony in the pursuit of lasting peace,” he said.

As a civil society movement, Ahmad Fahmi said ABIM is committed to collaborating with civil society networks across ASEAN to foster a culture of peace, support conflict victims and ensure that the voice of the people remains a vital part of sustainable peacebuilding. 

“This includes proposing the establishment of an ASEAN Civil Society Conference for Regional Peace as a platform for dialogue and reconciliation as well as advocating for the implementation of an ASEAN Peace Education Programme, especially for border communities and youth across the region,” he added.

-- BERNAMA