Thailand and Cambodia Finalize a Pact for resolving their Longstanding Disputes
In a significant step towards resolving long-standing border tensions, Thailand and Cambodia have signed a protocol in Kuala Lumpur, facilitated by ASEAN. This agreement aims to manage ongoing disputes, prevent conflict escalation, and ensure a peaceful resolution through international and regional cooperation.
The agreement, which was unconditionally agreed upon by both sides on 28 July 2025, includes a comprehensive 13-point plan for ceasefire compliance. Although the exact points are not fully enumerated, measures to reinforce ceasefire adherence and mitigate border clashes are central to the plan.
To monitor the ceasefire, both countries have consented to allow ASEAN observers to be deployed along the border. This observer mechanism, led by Malaysia, is intended to reduce misunderstandings, build trust, and provide impartial reporting on compliance. A group of observers consisting of ASEAN military attachés will be deployed in Thailand and Cambodia.
High-ranking military officials from both countries have agreed to allow these observers from the ASEAN regional bloc to inspect disputed border areas. The observers are expected to help ensure that military actions do not resume, and foreign inspectors based in both countries will not cross the border.
ASEAN played a critical diplomatic role in facilitating talks, including an Extraordinary General Border Committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur on 7 August 2025, and a special meeting chaired by the Malaysian Prime Minister on 28 July 2025. ASEAN’s involvement underscores regional commitment to maintaining peace and stability.
The Thai acting defense minister, Natthaphol Nakpanit, made the announcement to journalists. The parties have agreed to hold additional talks a month later to focus on resolving border tensions and ensuring peace on the border. Furthermore, they have agreed to hold further talks in two weeks to continue discussions on this matter.
This agreement marks a significant step towards resolving a historically volatile border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. The deployment of ASEAN military observers and the adherence to a structured 13-point ceasefire compliance plan offer hope for a peaceful resolution to this long-standing dispute.
The 13-point ceasefire compliance plan, incorporating measures to reinforce adherence and prevent border clashes, is a part of the general news regarding Thailand and Cambodia's agreement to resolve their long-standing border tensions. This plan, overseen by ASEAN observers deployed along the border, aims to build trust, reduce misunderstandings, and provide impartial reporting on compliance, furthering politics in the realm of war-and-conflicts.
