In an important diplomatic breakthrough to prevent escalating conflict in the Thailand - Cambodia border area, the two countries reached a comprehensive ceasefire and a framework for reducing escalation at the Special Joint Border Commission (GBC) meeting held on August 7 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The meeting was co-chaired by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, General tea seiha and Acting Minister of National Defense of Thailand, General Nattaphon Nakphanit.
The two sides signed a minutes of 13 agreements on the termination of the conflict and the avoidance of provincial acts along the border.
The focus of the agreement is a commitment to a comprehensive ceasefire, including an end to all forms of attack - both military and non-military - on civilians, civil infrastructure and military targets. The ceasefire, effective from 0:00 on July 28, 2025, requires both sides to freeze current forces and not to mobilize, provide or take any action that could increase tensions.
The two countries also pledged not to build or upgrade military personnel beyond their current positions, and reaffirmed their compliance with international humanitarian law, especially in the treatment of prisoners.
Civil defense and humanitarian treatment of arrested soldiers are emphasized. The two sides agreed not to use force against civilians or civilian facilities, fully comply with the Geneva Convention on medical care, ensure humanity and return prisoners after ceasefire.
Cambodia and Thailand pledged to coordinate in searching, collecting and returning the bodies of the victims without violating the border.
To avoid misunderstandings and unexpected conflicts, the two countries will increase direct communication between military commanders at all levels, and the Regional Border Committees (RBCs) will meet again within the next 2 weeks to maintain coordination in the locality.
Notably, both sides pledged not to spread false information or incite in domestic and international media, emphasizing the role of honest media in maintaining peace and reducing public concern.
To monitor the implementation of the ceasefire, Cambodia and Thailand support the establishment of a Malaysia-led ASEAN observers' team. While waiting for the team to deploy, the two sides will establish interim observation groups (IOTs) including defense deputies from ASEAN countries working in each country. These groups are coordinated by Malaysia, operate independently and do not cross the border, and report directly to GBC through the national military channel.
The next GBC meeting will be held within 1 month from August 7. If the situation is urgent, the two sides will convene an extraordinary meeting to consider a ceasefire and regional security.
The Joint Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed by General tea seiha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense of Cambodia and General Nattaphon Nakphanit, Acting Minister of National Defense of the Kingdom of Thailand.
