KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Thailand and Cambodia to halt all military actions and swiftly return to the negotiation table, following renewed border clashes between the two Asean neighbours.
Describing the latest skirmishes between Thai and Cambodian forces early this morning as “deeply worrying,” Anwar – who serves as Asean chair – said he hopes to speak directly with both leaders today to convey his concerns, local media reported.
“Both countries are important members of Asean and share a close relationship with Malaysia. I have reached out to both prime ministers.
“We hope that at the very least, both sides can stop the attacks and, hopefully, be willing to begin peace talks.
“They’ve made some attempts before, but I still believe that peace is the only viable option,” he told reporters after delivering the keynote address at the Asean Semiconductor Summit (ASEMIS) 2025 here.
Anwar said that while he had already met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s now-suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra last month, he remains intent on holding another round of discussions with both leaders.
Thailand’s former defence minister Phumtham Wechayachai was appointed acting prime minister earlier this month, after Paetongtarn was suspended by the Constitutional Court pending an investigation into alleged ethical violations.
Asked whether the conflict might affect regional trade, Anwar said it was premature to assess the impact.
“I believe this is a temporary situation. Both sides remain focused on protecting their national interests and are committed to a peaceful resolution. They also want Asean to play an active role, and we will do our part to realise that,” he said, reaffirming Malaysia’s responsibility as Asean Chair in 2025.
Cambodia and Thailand have been embroiled in a serious diplomatic standoff since May 28, following a deadly clash between their militaries along the Preah Vihear border that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.
On Wednesday, Thailand downgraded its diplomatic ties with Cambodia after a Thai soldier was injured in an alleged landmine blast.
Cambodia responded the following day by reducing its diplomatic relations with Thailand to the lowest level.
According to media reports today, one Thai civilian was killed while three others, including a five-year-old child, were seriously injured in fresh fighting between troops from both countries along the border early Thursday morning.
The two Southeast Asian nations have long been at odds over their 817-kilometre shared border, which remains poorly demarcated — a source of persistent diplomatic friction between them. – July 24, 2025