PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed Wisma Putra to monitor developments in the escalating border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia following positive signals from both countries regarding the possibility of a ceasefire.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who is also the Madani Government spokesman, said the matter is in line with Malaysia’s role as the Asean Chair for 2025.
Fahmi said Anwar informed the Cabinet that he had contacted Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Thursday (July 24) regarding the issue.
“At this point, there is a willingness from both sides to announce a ceasefire, and we are awaiting their statements.
“Following this, the Prime Minister has asked Wisma Putra to examine the situation and provide updates on the outcome of discussions between Thailand and Cambodia,” he said at his weekly press conference here on Friday (July 25).
Media reports stated that Thai and Cambodian troops clashed on Thursday in a disputed border area, with both sides accusing each other of triggering the latest confrontation.
Tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations have escalated since May 28 following a bloody incident in the Preah Vihear area, which claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier.
The two countries have been at odds over an 817km undemarcated border for decades, and the dispute continues to strain diplomatic ties.
Last Wednesday, the Thai government downgraded diplomatic relations with Cambodia after a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine, which Thailand alleged was recently planted in the area.
Cambodia later retaliated by downgrading its diplomatic relations with Thailand to the lowest level. – Bernama
