KUALA LUMPUR – South-east Asian foreign ministers convened in Malaysia on December 22 in a bid to restore a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, following two weeks of intense fighting that has killed at least 60 people and displaced over half a million civilians.
The special ASEAN meeting, attended by top diplomats from both countries, marks the first face-to-face talks since hostilities resumed on December 8. Malaysia, as ASEAN chair, urged the bloc to play a more assertive role in halting the conflict, with Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan calling for renewed efforts to restore stability and build trust among the parties.
The ministers seek to salvage a truce first brokered by ASEAN and US President Donald Trump after July’s clashes, which were the worst in recent history. Both Thailand and Cambodia accuse each other of violating previous ceasefire agreements, including the October deal signed in Malaysia, which committed both sides to demining and troop withdrawals.
Heavy fighting has erupted along their 817 km border, with Cambodia accusing Thailand of armed aggression and Thailand claiming Cambodia has laid new landmines and launched rocket attacks. Satellite data and field observations will be presented to the ministers to support efforts for a fair and lasting resolution.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed cautious optimism, noting both Thai and Cambodian leaders are keen for an amicable resolution. ASEAN hopes the meeting will pave the way for open dialogue and de-escalation, despite ongoing mutual accusations and regional tensions.