Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the newly-appointed Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has expressed a firm commitment to maintaining peace between Thailand and Cambodia. Anwar mentioned that this assurance was communicated during a phone conversation with Anutin earlier in the week.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar shared this information during his opening address at the 19th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC). He emphasized Anutin’s dedication to respecting and honoring peace between the two nations. Anwar also highlighted discussions on collaboration among countries within the region, noting ASEAN’s support for these efforts.

Anutin Charnvirakul, aged 58 and leader of the Bhumjaithai party, officially took office as the 32nd Prime Minister of Thailand after receiving royal endorsement. This appointment marks a new chapter in Thailand’s political landscape.

On July 28, as the current ASEAN Chair, Anwar convened a special meeting at the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya. The meeting, attended by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, was the first face-to-face encounter since tensions escalated between the two countries on July 24.

Following the two-and-a-half-hour meeting, Anwar announced at a joint press conference that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire amid rising tensions along their disputed border. Both nations are working towards establishing lasting peace along their 817-kilometre border, which has historically been a point of contention, leading to military confrontations in areas such as Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear.