KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for restraint and dialogue as tensions between Cambodia and Thailand continue to escalate along their shared border.
Speaking after separate discussions with both leaders, Anwar emphasised the need for wisdom and mutual respect to prevent further violence.
“I emphasised the importance for Cambodia and Thailand to adhere to the spirit of dialogue, wisdom, and mutual respect in order to end the tensions and maintain the peace and stability in the region,” he said.
The renewed clashes follow years of unresolved disputes over territory, with the latest confrontation beginning earlier this month after Thai soldiers were injured in a border skirmish.
Reports indicate that fighting has intensified, with allegations of airstrikes and artillery fire in Cambodian provinces near the frontier.
Cambodian officials have accused Thai forces of targeting civilian infrastructure, including bridges and commercial buildings, while Thailand has claimed its actions were defensive.
The conflict is part of a long-running disagreement that has flared repeatedly over the past decades. Earlier attempts at peace, including an accord signed in Kuala Lumpur in October, were suspended after fresh violence erupted.
The situation has displaced thousands of residents on both sides of the border, with casualties reported among both soldiers and civilians.
In response, ASEAN has convened a special Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on 22 December 2025.
The gathering, postponed from its original date to allow tempers to cool, will bring together representatives from all member states.
The agenda is expected to focus on de-escalation measures, humanitarian concerns, and the possibility of deploying observer teams to monitor the situation.
Malaysia, as ASEAN chair, has taken a leading role in facilitating dialogue. Anwar has stressed that the meeting offers an opportunity for both nations to negotiate directly and work towards a fair and lasting solution.
“The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is an appropriate and constructive forum to enable the two countries to negotiate openly, resolve their differences peacefully, and reach a just and lasting solution,” he added.
Regional analysts note that the outcome of the talks will be critical for ASEAN’s credibility in managing intra-bloc disputes.
The organisation has often been criticised for its limited ability to intervene in conflicts between member states. However, Malaysia’s proactive stance has raised hopes that a framework for peace can be established.
The international community has also expressed concern. Neighbouring countries, including Indonesia, have confirmed their participation in the meeting, underscoring the importance of collective action.
Observers warn that continued hostilities could destabilise wider Southeast Asia, affecting trade, tourism, and regional security.
For now, the focus remains on diplomacy. With ASEAN ministers gathering in Kuala Lumpur, the coming days will determine whether dialogue can succeed in halting the violence and paving the way for reconciliation.
