Kuala lumpur: Thailand and Cambodia have reached a significant agreement to implement a 13-point ceasefire plan aimed at reducing tensions along their disputed border. This agreement follows five days of armed clashes last month and was finalized during a General Border Committee meeting co-chaired by Cambodian Defense Chief Gen. Tea Seiha and his Thai counterpart Gen. Nattaphon Narkphanit in Malaysia's capital.

According to Anadolu Agency, the meeting emphasized maintaining peace along the border with Malaysia acting as a mediator. A statement from the Cambodian Information Ministry confirmed both nations' commitment to peaceful coexistence between their border communities. The Thai Enquirer News outlet also highlighted the plan's focus on ensuring peace in the border regions.

Earlier in the day, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hosted the two defense ministers before their bilateral meeting with the border committee. Anwar stated on X that the defense chiefs have committed to a full ceasefire and expressed a desire for Malaysia to continue facilitating peace negotiations within the ASEAN framework.

The recent cross-border hostilities between the two Southeast Asian countries resulted in numerous casualties. On July 28, a trilateral meeting with Malaysia led to an unconditional ceasefire agreement. Anwar described the subsequent meeting with the Thai and Cambodian defense chiefs as meaningful.

The border committee meeting began at the officials' level on Monday and concluded with the participation of the defense chiefs. Observers from Malaysia, the US, and China were also present.

Anwar noted that the meeting resulted in a key consensus to sustain dialogue and uphold the ceasefire. He acknowledged the trust placed in Malaysia to facilitate the peace process and mentioned the involvement of Malaysian Defense Forces Chief Gen. Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar.

Several agreements were reached, including adherence to the ceasefire, no increase or repositioning of troops, avoidance of provocative actions, and a commitment to protect civilians and infrastructure. Discussions also covered the proposed deployment of the ASEAN Observer Team to support monitoring, humanitarian assistance, and medical coordination at the border. Anwar, as the current chair of the Southeast Asian regional bloc, reiterated Malaysia's support for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and mutual respect.

The border dispute centers on Cambodia's Preah Vihear province and Thailand's northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani. Tensions have been high since May 28, following the death of a Cambodian soldier and subsequent clashes resulting in civilian casualties.