Photo courtesy of Thai Newsroom

 

Southeast Asian foreign ministers gathered in Malaysia on December 22 to address escalating border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia that have resulted in at least 40 deaths and displaced over half a million people. The meeting, held in Kuala Lumpur, aims to revive a short-lived ceasefire facilitated by Malaysia and US President Donald Trump.

 

The violence resumed on December 8, with both nations accusing each other of actions that disrupted a previous ceasefire and an October peace deal. Clashes have spread across many contested areas along their 817-km border, impacting regions near Laos and coastal provinces. Both the US and China have attempted to mediate, though with no success thus far.

 

The ASEAN meeting was chaired by Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan. Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed hope that dialogue could lead to a lasting resolution. “I emphasised the importance for Cambodia and Thailand to uphold the spirit of dialogue, wisdom and mutual respect in order to end the tensions," Anwar stated on social media.

 

Anwar is “cautiously optimistic” about the outcomes, noting the interest of Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in reaching a peaceful solution. An ASEAN team will share findings from field observations and satellite data provided by the US.

 

Recent escalations included Thai airstrikes on Cambodian positions and halting fuel shipments due to concerns about diversion through Laos. Thailand also reported the use of drones and rocket attacks by Cambodia on its military and civilian areas, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

Key Takeaways

• ASEAN ministers aim to broker peace between Thailand and Cambodia amid ongoing clashes.
• Malaysia's PM Anwar Ibrahim is cautiously optimistic for a peaceful resolution.
• An ASEAN team is using satellite technology to inform discussions.

 

Related Stories:

Cambodia Tallies Heavy Losses in Border Conflict

Thai F-16 Airstrikes Hit Cambodia as Border Conflict Escalates

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-12-22

 

 

 

And the result will be nothing, as Thailand stated never to give in and only stop if Cambodia gives up its border