Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son speaks in Hanoi on the evening of July 28. Photo: VNA

The immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement began to take effect from 0 hour Tuesday.

At an event celebrating the 30th anniversary of Vietnam joining ASEAN and the 58th anniversary of the bloc's establishment in Hanoi on Monday evening, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Son said, “Vietnam welcomes common understanding between Cambodia and Thailand, reached in Putrajaya, just hours ago, especially on the immediate and unconditional ceasefire as a vital first step towards a de-escalation and restoration of peace and security.”

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (left), Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (center) and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai at a press conference on the afternoon of July 28. Photo: Mohd Rasfan/Pool via REUTERS

Earlier, after an emergency meeting chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also ASEAN Chair, in Putrajaya, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to resume direct dialogue at the prime minister, foreign minister and defense minister levels, as well as hold informal meetings between military leaders in border areas.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet spoke to the press after the meeting: “We hope that the solutions that Prime Minister Anwar just announced will set a condition for moving forward for our bilateral discussion to return to normalcy of the relationship and as a foundation for future de-escalation of forces. In this sense, I'd like to express my thanks to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia for hosting this urgent and timely meeting, as well as its efforts and personal initiatives to mediate an immediate ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand.”

From Bangkok, Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura emphasized: “The discussion today only extended to the ceasefire. No negotiation on boundary issues took place, so it has no bearing whatsoever on territorial gains or losses. The ceasefire will enable the people of the border areas to resume their normal life without threats from arm clashes, fear of attacks, dangers during movements. It would also help to ensure safety and well-being of Thais and Cambodians.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, calling on both countries "to respect the agreement fully and to create an environment conducive to addressing long-standing issues and achieving lasting peace." 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US welcomed the ceasefire agreement. “President Trump and I are committed to an immediate cessation of violence and expect the governments of Cambodia and Thailand to fully honor their commitments to end this conflict,” he said in a statement. 

Fighting between Cambodia and Thailand broke out near Ta Moan Thom temple on the morning of July 24, then spread to other areas along their shared border. The deadliest conflict in more than a decade following five days of intense fighting killed 38 people, including 25 in Thailand and 13 in Cambodia.