ASEAN Chair Invited Thai and Cambodian Leaders to Peace Talks

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

The government has confirmed that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, acting in his capacity as ASEAN Chair, has formally invited Thailand and Cambodia to high-level talks aimed at resolving escalating border tensions between the two countries.

According to government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap, who also serves on the Thai-Cambodian Border Conflict Special Operations Centre (ศบ.ทก.), the meeting is scheduled for 28 July at the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Office in Kuala Lumpur. The Thai delegation is set to depart from the Royal Thai Air Force base at approximately 10:30 and is expected to begin discussions at 15:00 (local time).

The Thai delegation will be led by Phumtham Wechayachai, Acting Prime Minister of Thailand, and will include Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Natthaphon Nakpanich, Deputy Minister of Defence, and Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister. Spokesperson Jirayu will also be present as a member of the special committee.

Crucially, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has confirmed his attendance at the talks, signalling a rare opportunity for direct dialogue between both nations amid the most severe military confrontation in years.

No Discussion of Maps, Says Thailand

In his remarks to the press, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham made it clear that the upcoming talks will not involve any discussion of maps or border demarcations. He stressed that Thailand remains steadfast in protecting its sovereignty, stating:

“Not a single square inch of Thai territory will be surrendered. Our duty is to safeguard national integrity without compromise.”

This clarification comes amid public speculation that territorial boundaries may become a central point of negotiation following reports of Cambodian military incursions and Thai defensive operations in multiple disputed areas.

A Step Toward Regional Peace?

The ASEAN initiative, spearheaded by Malaysia, represents the first formal diplomatic move to de-escalate the armed conflict, which has resulted in dozens of casualties and the displacement of over 130,000 Thai civilians. The meeting is expected to focus on immediate ceasefire mechanisms and longer-term frameworks for peacekeeping cooperation along the Thai-Cambodian border.

The Thai government expressed appreciation for ASEAN’s proactive role and reiterated its commitment to peace, provided that its territorial sovereignty is fully respected.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-07-28