Mon Jul 28 06:23:09 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, written from an Indian perspective and suitable for a publication like “The Hindu”:
**Headline: ASEAN Mediation Achieves Ceasefire in Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict**
**Putrajaya, Malaysia – July 28, 2025** – After five days of escalating conflict along the Thailand-Cambodia border, an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire agreement has been brokered under the mediation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The breakthrough, reached in Putrajaya on Monday, aims to halt the deadly clashes that have claimed at least 35 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands.
The talks, chaired by Mr. Anwar in his capacity as head of the ASEAN regional bloc, saw Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai agree to cease hostilities by midnight on July 28th. A joint statement emphasized a shared commitment to restoring normalcy.
The recent flare-up, triggered by a landmine explosion that injured Thai soldiers on July 24th, quickly spiraled into a significant military confrontation between the two ASEAN member states. The incident led to the recall of ambassadors and the closure of most Thai-Cambodian border crossings, exacerbating the crisis.
The news of the ceasefire has been met with relief from displaced civilians on both sides of the border. Evacuees, like Ron Mao in Cambodia and Nakorn Jomkamsing in Thailand, expressed their desperation to return home and rebuild their lives.
The negotiations were attended by observers from China and the United States, reflecting the international concern surrounding the conflict. Reports indicate pressure from US President Donald Trump.
From an Indian perspective, this situation highlights the crucial role of regional organizations like ASEAN in maintaining stability and resolving disputes peacefully. The success of these mediation efforts underscores the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in preventing further escalation of tensions in the region, and preserving ASEAN’s reputation of prioritizing non-aggression, economic cooperation and a middle ground.
First Piper 