Brokering the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire

Diplomatic effort: Anwar with Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet (left) and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai at Putrajaya on July 28. By bringing the two leaders to Putrajaya, Malaysia showed that an Asean chair willing to act and quick on the draw can still shape events. – AP

THE brokering of a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia following their recent clashes is a reminder that diplomacy’s true measure lies not in sweeping settlements but in holding the line against worse outcomes.

That truth was tested in late July when tensions that began simmering in May erupted as Cambodian and Thai troops exchanged fire in disputed territory along the Dangrek mountains.