The Cambodian Center for Regional Studies (CCRS) wishes to recognize the important accomplishment made by Samdech Moha Bovor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia in securing unconditional ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand during the special meeting on 28 July 2025, hosted by Malaysia as the ASEAN Chair, co-organized by the US and with the participation of China. We truly salute the Prime Minister’s wisdom and relentless commitment in seeking peaceful solution. We, therefore, would like express our deep gratitude to Samdech Prime Minister, and place our unreserved confidence in the Royal Government of Cambodia in protecting our national sovereignty.
Cambodia should continue to leverage regional and international support to ensure the full compliance of this ceasefire agreement that paves ways for dialogue and diplomacy to peacefully end this conflict so as to help save lives, end civilian displacements, address the ongoing humanitarian issues, and restore normalcy to the bilateral relations between Cambodia and Thailand. A restored peace is essential for people’s livelihood to thrive and for the maintenance of regional peace and stability in the wider region of Southeast Asia.
At the same time, CCRS would like also extend our deep appreciation to Honorable Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, for his decisive initiative in brokering the much-needed ceasefire agreement to halt the flare-up of armed hostilities between Cambodia and Thailand. With the U.S. eminent prestige and influence, we hope that this ceasefire will be operationalized swiftly with effective monitoring put in place to cease all armed violence along the disputed borders.
Above and beyond, CCRS is thankful for the strong support extended by the current ASEAN Chair, H.E. Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, for his resourceful role in hosting the special meeting that transpires in the excellent ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, an exceptional effort deserved to be complimented by all ASEAN Member States. The ceasefire is a breakthrough of critical importance, reinforcing ASEAN role as an effective mechanism in resolving regional disputes through peaceful means such as consultation, discussion, and negotiation.
This ceasefire agreement is a positive first step to deescalate tensions towards peaceful resolutions to end this tragic armed conflict along the Cambodia-Thailand border since its breakout on 24 July 2025. It is with earnest hope that ASEAN, the U.S. and China can assist the two countries to officially adopt an effective Term of Reference of this ceasefire as soon as possible with robust enforcement clauses included. In addition, there should be a road map with clear timelines developed on how to operationalize the TOR smoothly to facilitate the ceasefire operation with ASEAN led-observers in place until normalcy can be restored to the two Kingdoms.
CCRS calls for faithful implementation of the ceasefire agreement and sustained peace between Cambodia and Thailand, with the support of the international community and ASEAN.