COMMENT | The July 28 ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, brokered by Malaysia as the current chair of Asean, marks a crucial step to de-escalate tensions in mainland Southeast Asia.

The commitment to an immediate and unconditional halt to hostilities came after an emergency meeting in Putrajaya, where Prime Minister Seri Ibrahim successfully brought both nations to the negotiating table.

With a midnight ceasefire, informal military talks set for the following morning, and a General Border Committee meeting planned for Aug 4 in Cambodia, the diplomatic structure laid out is sound. Yet this development should not be viewed in isolation.

It presents Asean with a broader test: Can the region...