Malaysia calls for ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia following border clashes
Published on: Fri, Jul 25, 2025
By: AFP Text Size: Anwar stressed, 'ASEAN's strength lies in its solidarity and that peace must always be our collective and unwavering choice.' - Bernama pic Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged Thailand and Cambodia to 'stand down' following deadly border clashes that escalated Thursday, with both nations exchanging rocket fire and airstrikes. The violence marks a sharp deterioration in a decades-old territorial dispute over the Emerald Triangle region. 'The least we can expect is for them to stand down and hopefully try to enter into negotiation,' said Anwar, whose country currently chairs ASEAN. The regional bloc includes both Thailand and Cambodia, with Malaysia emphasizing the need for unity. Cambodian forces launched rockets and artillery shells into Thailand's Sisaket province, killing one soldier and at least 11 civilians near a petrol station. Thailand retaliated with F-16 airstrikes, reigniting tensions over the contested border area, home to ancient temples claimed by both nations. 'The development is concerning. They are important members of ASEAN. They are very close to Malaysia,' Anwar told reporters. 'Peace is the only option available.' Later, the Malaysian leader revealed he had spoken with Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, pressing for an immediate ceasefire. 'In our conversations, in Malaysia's capacity as ASEAN Chair for 2025, I appealed directly to both leaders for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further hostilities,' Anwar stated on Facebook. The clashes erupted near two border temples, with each side accusing the other of initiating the violence. The dispute dates back over 15 years, with sporadic military confrontations, including a deadly firefight in May that left a Cambodian soldier dead. ASEAN foreign ministers had gathered in Kuala Lumpur just two weeks earlier, alongside counterparts from major powers like the US and China, highlighting the bloc's role in regional stability. Anwar stressed, 'ASEAN's strength lies in its solidarity and that peace must always be our collective and unwavering choice.' * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
4 hours ago
- Barnama
Malaysia Reiterates Ceasefire Call On Thailand-Cambodia Conflict
PUTRAJAYA, July 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has reiterated its appeal to Thailand and Cambodia to exercise maximum restraint, undertake an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and refrain from taking any action that may undermine peace efforts. As the Chair of ASEAN 2025, Malaysia said it is deeply concerned over the escalation between the two nations, which has resulted in increasing casualties on both sides, destruction of public property, and the displacement of a large number of people along the border areas. 'We reiterate our appeal to both sides to exercise maximum restraint and undertake an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and refrain from taking any action that may undermine it,' Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said in a statement Saturday. bootstrap slideshow He further urged both sides to return to the negotiating table to restore peace and stability based on the spirit of the ASEAN family, unity, and good neighbourliness. 'We stand ready to continue our work through the good offices of the ASEAN Chair in facilitating both immediate neighbours and fellow members of ASEAN to resume talks and end the fighting,' he added. In the latest development, Malaysia will continue engaging with the leaders of both states to propose a peace process in response to the border conflict between the two countries, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had expressed appreciation for his initiative to propose a peace process and a ceasefire. On Friday, Anwar said the government does not take lightly the ongoing conflict between Thailand and Cambodia and its impact on Malaysia. Tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations have been escalating since May 28 following a deadly incident in the Preah Vihear area that claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier.
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia urges Thailand, Cambodia to resume peace talk
KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand and Cambodia have been urged to hold negotiations to restore peace and stability, in line with the spirit of Asean unity and fraternity. 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.
The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Saturday (July 26, 2025)
Malaysia: * Anwar extends appreciation to all parties for smooth, incident-free rally / Anwar reaffirms commitment to democracy, freedom of speech * Rally ended peacefully, no untoward incidents reported, says acting KL police chief * Only 40% of Malaysians believe country is on the right track, says survey * July 26 protest: Traffic near Sogo at standstill as protesters spill onto the road * July 26 protest - Liveblog: Rally comes to an end with prayer recital * Protestors gather for July 26 rally in Kuala Lumpur * Anwar says he won't attend July 26 rally because he wasn't invited * Take me to court if I am wrong, Dr M says on Batu Puteh issue * Anwar calls on MPs to uphold civil debate in Parliament, avoid insults and profanity * Where's Jho Low? Looking for 1MDB fugitive in Shanghai's luxury estate * Bar Council EGM on judicial independence dissolves due to lack of quorum * AGC to re-examine influencer's false report case * Malaysia faces rising cyber threats as incidents increase * MyDigital ID rollout must prioritise trust over compulsion, says think tank * Malaysia's new ambassador to US pledges stronger bilateral relations * Dr M's granddaughter loses RM1.8mil in home burglary / Cops tracking down suspects involved in burglary at Dr M's grandchild's house North Korea's Jo Jin Mi and Choe Wi Hyan compete in the final of the mixed team 3m and 10m diving event during the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore on Saturday, July 26, 2025. -- Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP Singapore: * Singapore's national screening programme tests newborns for metabolic and heritable diseases * Shocker in Singapore: Woman taken to hospital after car falls into sinkhole on Tanjong Katong Road * Black belt in taekwondo, grade 8 in piano: S'pore teen excels despite condition that limits movements * Singapore's Tipsy Collective sues former directors, HR head; alleges S$14mil lost from misconduct, poor decisions * Singapore rail operator to pay lower fine of S$2.4m for line disruption; must invest at least S$600k to boost reliability * Singapore shipowner told to pay US$1bil over marine disaster Indonesia: * Trump tariffs leave costly China supply question unanswered; Indonesia among countries deeply affected * Students flee Sekolah Rakyat in Central Java just one week into orientation * Indonesia car sales expected to top 800,000 units in 2025 * Indonesia backs peaceful resolution in Thai-Cambodian border dispute * Oil prices ease to three-week low at weekend as negative economic news offsets trade optimism Japanese dancers perform Ryukyu Buyo, a traditional Okinawan dance blending graceful movements with vibrant music rooted in the heritage of the Ryukyu Islands, during a cultural exchange programme by the Japan Foundation at the Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) theatre in Jakarta. -- Photo by YASUYOSHI CHIBA / AFP Thailand: * Malaysia: Government monitoring investments in Thailand, Cambodia amid conflict * Thai-Cambodia clashes spread along frontier as death toll rises * Thai Army clarifies use of cluster munitions, insists they are aimed at military targets only * Thailand issues warning of potential long-distance PHL-03 missile strike from Cambodia * Thailand condemns Cambodian attacks on civilians, hospitals * New front opens as clashes between Thailand and Cambodia continue * Thai Navy joins conflict against Cambodia as death toll climbs to 30 * China must strike a delicate balance in its approach towards Thai-Cambodian conflict, say analysts * Thaksin denies family conflict sparked Thai-Cambodian war, insists on non-interference in military operations Philippines: * Philippine Supreme Court rules impeachment bid against vice president is unconstitutional * Typhoons 'Crising,' 'Dante,' and tropical storm 'Emong' combined death toll at 26 in Philippines * Philippine cyclones death toll rises to 30, seven missing * Co-May leaves trail of destruction in the Philippines * US agrees deals with Indonesia, Philippines – but are Chinese firms a step ahead? U.S. President Donald Trump, flanked by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., at the White House in Washington. --Photo: REUTERS/Kent Nishimura Vietnam: * Vietnam stands at core of evolving Asean: Malaysian ambassador * Plastics remain top choice for Hanoi food and beverage shops * Sleeper bus overturns in central Vietnam, leaving nine dead * Kids among nine killed in bus crash in central Vietnam * Analysis-Trump's distraction methods fall flat against Epstein uproar Myanmar: * US drops sanctions on Myanmar junta allies after Trump praise * US says lifting of some Myanmar sanctions had no link to general's letter to Trump * India and Myanmar discuss future of pharmaceutical industry in Yangon Displaced Cambodians receive water at the Battkhao Resettlement Camp in Oddar Meanchey Province, Cambodia, Saturday, July 26, 2025, as border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia entered its third day. -- AP Photo/Anton L. Delgado Cambodia: * Tens of thousands flee their homes as Thailand and Cambodia clash * Death toll rises in Thai-Cambodian clashes despite ceasefire call * China denies supplying new weapons to Cambodia in Thai border conflict * Hong Kong police investigate Cambodian scam farm link to missing girl * Cambodia bans flights across fighting zones with Thailand * Cambodia prepares counterattack at Phu Ma Kua — plans heavy use of indirect munitions Laos: * 'We are not involved in this': Laos denies reports on border clash with Cambodian forces * Laos seeks to develop traditional medicine * Lao communities on edge as river levels climb amid continuous rainfall Brunei: * Bruneians turning heads at international barber event * Brunei Law Society attends Asean Bar Leaders' Summit * Brunei emphasises sustainable forest management and environmental protection for its future generation Australia's diver Maddison Keeney holds her gold medal after competing in the final of the women's 1m springboard diving event during the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore on Saturday, July 26, 2025. -- Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP AseanPlus: * MMEA on high alert, strengthens fleet to tackle drug smuggling at sea * Australia, Britain sign 50-year AUKUS submarine partnership treaty * Security forces fired indiscriminately during Bangladesh protest: report * China calls for calm over border clash - The Thailand-Cambodia clash * Chinese pet clinic runs over 'untreatable' dog to 'get owner insurance payout' * Hong Kong starts building city's first public hydrogen charging system for EVs * US continues to have 'productive' talks with South Korea to reduce 'unfair' trade barriers: White House * Sri Lanka to waive visa fees for 40 more countries to boost tourism * Economists doubt Trump outlook that US will sell 'so much' beef to Australia * Beijing issues warning of geological disasters after intense rainfall * Day of prayers for victims after Bangladesh jet crash * Three injured in Seoul stabbing attack * Hongkonger suffers knife wounds in bar fight involving 10 people * Pakistan says it's close to US trade deal, Washington gives no timeline * Taiwan holds historic recall vote that could swing legislature * Trump administration issues plan to limit AI exports to China * No Cantonese, no career? Can Hong Kong do more to help ethnic minority groups? * C-drama 'Coroner's Diary' is a big hit in South-East Asia and also major favourite now with global fans * Hong Kong dancer Mo Li shares first image of his face since Mirror show accident * Van and pick-up vehicle collision leaves four women dead, 10 injured in India's Rajasthan * Thousands of men shared non-consensual intimate photos on Telegram: Chinese media * Korean actor Ji Seung-hyun looks forward to trying satay and laksa on his first visit to Malaysia * Japan to end limits on women's roles in the Self-Defence Forces, allowing them to work in contaminated areas * Sudden deaths likely linked to genetics and lifestyle, not Covid-19 vaccination: India's Union Health Minister Nadda * South Korean father who allegedly shot son with homemade gun at birthday party says he 'felt betrayed' * Pakistan urges global social media platforms to block accounts run by banned militant groups * Trump wants it, but India is doing it -- A new iPhone factory in an out-of-the-way corner of India * HK actress Myolie Wu dispels rumours with family vacation in the Maldives * Japanese legend Tamiya, the man who brought perfection to plastic race car models, dies at 90 * Ex-Hong Kong social worker given community service for defrauding authorities * Stay alert for chikungunya fever threat, leading expert tells Hongkongers * South Korea to prepare mutually agreeable trade package as US tariff deadline looms * Cricket - Root climbs to second on all-time Test list as England dominate hapless India * Cricket will be part of the 2026 Asian Games, says ACC * Motor racing - Verstappen wins Red Bull's first race since Horner's exit * Badminton - Pearly-Thinaah lose to home pair in China Open semis / Aaron-Wooi Yik power into China Open final * Ten-year-old dances her way to history - Sabahan ballerina win silver in the ballet solo event at Dance World Cup (DWC) 2025 finals in Spain
