KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has intensified Malaysia’s diplomatic efforts to ease tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border, following separate calls with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand and Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia.
The Prime Minister conveyed Malaysia’s deep concern over the situation and urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and instructed that no further military actions, including the use of force or forward movement of armed units, take place from 13 December 2025 at 22:00 (UTC+7).
To support de-escalation and promote transparency, Anwar announced the deployment of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), led by the Malaysian Chief of Defence Forces, to monitor developments on the ground.
The mission will be complemented by satellite monitoring capabilities provided by the United States Government, commencing at the same time.
The findings from both satellite monitoring and field observations will be compiled by the AOT and presented at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 16 December 2025.
The report will provide an objective account of the situation, including the positions of both parties, in the interest of accountability, confidence-building and the preservation of peace and stability in the region.
Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to working closely with ASEAN partners and the international community to ensure that dialogue, restraint and diplomacy prevail.
He stressed that Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, will continue to play a proactive role in safeguarding regional peace.
Observers note that the deployment of the AOT, supported by US satellite monitoring, represents a significant step in ASEAN’s conflict management efforts.
The initiative underscores Malaysia’s leadership in promoting transparency and collective responsibility within the region.
