Anwar Pledges to Safeguard Cambodia–Thailand Ceasefire as ASEAN Transition Nears

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 28, 2025) — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged continued support to safeguard the Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire as Malaysia prepares to hand over the rotating ASEAN Chairmanship to the Philippines in early 2026.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Anwar welcomed the ceasefire that took effect at 12:00 p.m. (local time) on December 27 following the Third Special Meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee. He said the decision to halt fighting reflects a shared recognition that restraint is necessary, particularly in the interest of protecting civilians.

Anwar said the joint statement includes practical and positive measures, including verification by the ASEAN Observer Team and direct communication between defence authorities, which provide a foundation for stability. He expressed hope that both sides would implement the agreement faithfully.

As Malaysia prepares to pass the ASEAN Chair to the Philippines at midnight on January 1, 2026, Anwar said Kuala Lumpur would continue to support all efforts to ensure that the commitments are honored and that ASEAN’s credibility as a region of peace is preserved.

Earlier this month, renewed clashes between Cambodian and Thai forces resulted in civilian casualties, displacement and damage to civilian infrastructure, prompting intensified international calls for restraint and a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

According to Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior, since clashes erupted on December 7, at least 31 civilians have been killed, 91 injured and more than 634,000 people displaced, including over 331,000 women and 201,000 children.