FILE PHOTO: Children play around a bunker in Surin province on December 10, 2025, during clashes along the Thai-Cambodia border. Cambodia and Thailand agreed to a ceasefire on December 27, 2025 after three weeks of renewed cross-border fighting that killed around 50 people and displaced more than a million. - AFP
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean has welcomed the outcomes of the Third Special General Border Committee (GBC) meeting between Cambodia and Thailand held on Saturday (Dec 27), which resulted in a commitment to an immediate ceasefire and strict de-escalation measures.
The Asean Chair expressed its support for the Joint Statement concluded by both countries at the Prum (Pailin Province, Cambodia) - Ban Pak Kard (Chanthaburi Province, Thailand) International Point of Entry.
"We welcome the agreement on the two sets of measures, namely, the de-escalation measures, and the mechanisms for the implementation and verification of de-escalation," it said in a statement issued on Monday.
It highlighted the commitment from both Cambodia and Thailand to an immediate ceasefire, which came into effect at 12.00 pm local time on Saturday.
The ceasefire covers all types of weapons, including attacks on civilians, civilian objects and infrastructure, and military objectives of either side, in all cases and in all areas.
To ensure these commitments are honoured, Asean underscored the continuing importance of the Asean Observer Team (AOT) and noted that both neighbours have agreed to further strengthen the AOT's role.
It said that the AOT will work in consultation with the Asean Chair to verify and ensure the effective implementation of all agreed measures based on its mandate.
The statement also recalled previous efforts to stabilise the region, specifically the ceasefire arrangement of July 28, 2025, and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration of Oct 26, 2025.
Asean welcomed the commitment of both sides to build upon these past agreements in the interest of restoring confidence, normalcy, and lasting peace along the border.
"We continue to reaffirm our commitment to Asean unity and solidarity, as well as Asean Centrality in ensuring regional peace, security, stability and prosperity," the Chair added.
The statement also reaffirmed the shared commitment to refrain from the use of force and to settle disputes by peaceful means in accordance with the United Nations Charter, Asean Charter and Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).
"We stand ready to support ongoing efforts, including through the good offices of the Asean Chair, as well as efforts by other Asean Member States and external partners, to facilitate the effective implementation of the agreed measures and to promote an environment conducive to lasting peace, stability, and good neighbourly relations between Cambodia and Thailand,” said the statement. - Bernama
