PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia - Thailand and Cambodia's leaders have agreed to implement a ceasefire starting midnight on Monday, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said following a meeting hosted by him here.

At a joint press conference with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai following the ceasefire talks, Anwar outlined a step-by-step de-escalation process and the mechanism through which it will be implemented and monitored.

"Both Cambodia and Thailand reached a common understanding as follows -- an immediate and unconditional ceasefire with effect from 24:00 hours (local time) on 28 July 2025. This is a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security," he said.

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According to Anwar, the initial ceasefire will be followed by the reestablishment of contacts between the regional army commanders on both sides through a face-to-face meeting at 7 am local time on July 29, which will be followed by a meeting of the defense attaches of both sides, led by the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) if both sides are agreeable, and finally a meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) on Aug 4 to be hosted by Cambodia.

"As the current chair of ASEAN, Malaysia stands ready to coordinate an observer team to verify and ensure the implementation of the ceasefire. Malaysia will also consult with fellow ASEAN member states to participate in the observation effort, reflecting a regional commitment to supporting peace on the ground," he said.

"Both sides also agree to resume direct communications between both prime ministers, foreign ministers and defense ministers," Anwar added.

The Cambodian and Thai prime ministers, along with their respective delegations, had met at the Malaysian prime minister's residence to discuss a ceasefire between the two countries.

Before the meeting, the ASEAN foreign ministers released a joint statement Monday morning, calling on both sides to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from taking any actions that may undermine ceasefire efforts.

"We are deeply concerned over the ongoing situation at the border areas between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Kingdom of Thailand which have resulted in an increasing number of casualties on both sides and destruction of public properties, as well as displacement of a large number of people along the border areas," the statement said.

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"We further urge both sides to cease all hostilities, return to the negotiating table to restore peace and stability, and settle disputes and differences by peaceful means, based on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the ASEAN Charter, as well as the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) and in the spirit of ASEAN family, unity and good neighborliness," it added.

Armed clashes between Cambodian and Thai soldiers over disputed border areas had entered the fifth day on Monday as more than 100 people have been killed or injured with thousands evacuated on both sides, according to figures provided by the two countries.

Cambodian Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said the number of Cambodian evacuees from border provinces has risen to 39,828 families with about 134,707 people.

A total of 600 schools have been closed, affecting around 150,000 students and 6,000 teachers, while approximately 400,000 Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand have returned home, she added.

As of Sunday, the border clashes had resulted in the deaths of 14 Thai civilians and eight soldiers, with an additional 37 civilians sustaining varying degrees of injuries. A total of 139,646 people had also been evacuated from the border risk areas, according to the Thai government.