Malaysia urges Thailand, Cambodia to resume peace talk
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict between the two nations must be guided by principles of solidarity and good neighbourliness.
He said Malaysia stands ready to play a constructive role, through the Asean Chair's Office, in helping Thailand and Cambodia resume talks and bring an end to the fighting.
Mohamad also reiterated Malaysia's call for both countries to exercise maximum restraint and implement an immediate, unconditional ceasefire.
"This is to prevent either Thailand or Cambodia from taking any action that may jeopardise peace efforts.
"As the Asean Chair for 2025, Malaysia is deeply concerned about the escalating tensions between the governments of Thailand and Cambodia.
"The situation has already resulted in rising casualties on both sides, widespread damage to public property, and the displacement of many residents from border areas," he said in a statement.
The latest round of clashes between Thailand and Cambodia stems from tensions that began in May, following the death of a Cambodian soldier during an armed confrontation at the border.
The 818-kilometre border between the two countries has long been a source of dispute, with both claiming sovereignty over areas demarcated during French colonial rule in 1907.
Several ancient temples along the border remain key points of contention, including Prasat Ta Moan Thom and the famed Preah Vihear Temple.
International media earlier reported that fighting had entered its third day, although there appeared to be a glimmer of hope, as both sides expressed willingness to seek diplomatic support, claimed acts of self-defence, and called for an end to hostilities through dialogue.
At least 30 people have been killed and over 130,000 displaced in what is now the worst conflict between the two Southeast Asian neighbours in 13 years.
Thailand's death toll remains at 19 as of today, while Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata confirmed the deaths of five soldiers and eight civilians.
In February, the dispute over Prasat Ta Moan Thom, a Khmer temple near the Thai border, flared up further when Thai authorities barred Cambodian tourists from singing their national anthem at the site.
The Cambodian government, however, has denied initiating the conflict, stating it only responded after Thai forces launched an armed attack.
Both nations have since severed diplomatic ties and continue to blame each other for triggering the violence.
Thailand has also announced the closure of all border checkpoints with Cambodia until further notice.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
19 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Thailand proposes neutral venue for next border talks
BANGKOK: Thailand's Defence Ministry has proposed that the upcoming General Border Committee (GBC) meeting be held on a neutral ground, and suggested Malaysia as the venue. Ministry spokesperson Rear Admiral Surasan Kongsiri said in a statement that the proposal is in line with the standard international practice of not holding meetings between disputing parties on the territory of one of the nations involved in the conflict. He added that Acting Defence Minister General Natthapon Nakpanich is slated to attend the GBC meeting, which Cambodia has proposed to host on August 4. "The GBC meeting provides an opportunity to jointly explore a way forward in de-escalating tensions and resolving border and security issues, reflecting our shared commitment to peace, stability, mutual respect, and good neighbourliness," he said in the statement issued on Thursday. However, Surasan emphasised that given the sensitive nature of the situation in both countries, it would be more appropriate to hold the meeting at a neutral venue, such as Malaysia. "While it is acknowledged that, under normal circumstances, bilateral meetings are held on a rotational basis – and that Thailand most recently served as host – this upcoming session is of an extraordinary nature. "I therefore believe it would be appropriate to convene the meeting at a neutral location," he said. Surasan also proposed allowing sufficient time for comprehensive discussions and suggested that the meeting be held from August 4 to 7, 2025. Conflict at the Thai-Cambodian border began with a brief skirmish on May 28 and escalated into armed clashes on July 24. On Monday, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following a special meeting hosted in Putrajaya by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the current Asean Chair. – BERNAMA
Free Malaysia Today
an hour ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Dr M's call for snap polls illogical and irresponsible, says DAP MP
DAP MP Syahredzan Johan (left) said Dr Mahathir Mohamad's time had passed and the former prime minister must now allow others to lead the country. PETALING JAYA : Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan has dismissed former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's call for a snap election as 'illogical', saying the public wants political stability, not another election. In a statement, Syahredzan said such a demand is irresponsible, especially at a time when Malaysia and the rest of the world are facing turbulent conditions, from global trade wars to military conflicts. 'The majority of Malaysians do not want an election right now. They want a stable government,' he said. He said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had just tabled the 13th Malaysia Plan amid global uncertainties, including impending US tariff decisions and ongoing regional conflicts, such as the border tension between Thailand and Cambodia which continued to loom large. 'Malaysia is not exempt from these global headwinds. What we need now is a steady government, helmed by a leader who can steer the country through these storms,' Syahredzan said. Earlier today, Mahathir urged Anwar to dissolve Parliament to pave the way for a general election. 'If Anwar is truly brave, he should just dissolve Parliament and call for a general election now. He has nothing to fear – after all, his allies claim only 15,000 people attended the rally. Surely, he will win,' he said in a Facebook post. Mahathir was referring to the Turun Anwar rally last Saturday, which was held to call for Anwar's resignation. About 18,000 people took part in the rally, according to police, although the organisers, PAS Youth, claimed that more than 200,000 participants were present. Syahredzan urged Mahathir to respect the country's democratic process and the timeline of the current Parliament. 'Elections will come when the time is right. But that time is not now. The parliamentary term hasn't even reached its maturity. 'To Mahathir, please – your time has passed. We still respect you, but now is the time for others to lead the country,' he added. He warned that the future of the people and the next generation should not be gambled away to serve the ego and self-interests of a few politicians.
Barnama
2 hours ago
- Barnama
ASEAN Foreign Ministers Commend Malaysia-Brokered Cambodia–Thailand Ceasefire
PUTRAJAYA, July 28 -– Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (centre) witnesses Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (left) shaking hands with Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (right) following a Special Joint Meeting at the Seri Perdana Complex, today. The high-level Special Meeting was held to ease escalating tensions following an armed confrontation between the two countries. -–fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- ASEAN Foreign Ministers have welcomed the outcome of a Special Meeting hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as ASEAN Chair, to de-escalate tensions between Cambodia and Thailand along the disputed border. In a statement issued Thursday, the ministers commended Malaysia's role in facilitating a bilateral dialogue that led to a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand. The Special Meeting took place on Monday in Putrajaya. bootstrap slideshow They also expressed confidence that the goodwill demonstrated by both Cambodia and Thailand will lead to the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire and all decisions of the Special Meeting. 'We encourage Cambodia and Thailand to resolve the issue amicably in accordance with international law, and consistent with the principles enshrined in the United Nations (UN) Charter, ASEAN Charter, Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, and in the spirit of ASEAN family, unity and good neighbourliness. 'We hope that the ceasefire agreed by both sides will be fully implemented in good faith. The ministers also voiced their support for Malaysia's readiness to coordinate an observer team comprising ASEAN Member States to independently verify and monitor the implementation of the ceasefire. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers also acknowledged the role of the United States (US) in co-organising the Special Meeting, while noting the active participation of China in promoting a peaceful resolution to the ongoing situation. Following the meeting, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai agreed to implement an immediate ceasefire to ease tensions in the disputed border area.
