ASEAN Diplomats Aim to Resolve Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict

Mon Dec 22 2025 11:15:04 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Top diplomats from Southeast Asia are set to meet in Malaysia to address ongoing conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia that have recently escalated, resulting in significant civilian casualties and displacement.

In a bid to halt the deadliest clashes between Thailand and Cambodia in years, leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convene in Malaysia to revive a ceasefire agreement. The conflict has resulted in over 41 deaths and the displacement of nearly one million people. As tensions rise along the 800 km border, both nations are urged to engage in diplomatic dialogue to achieve peace.

South East Asia's top diplomats are set to meet Monday in Malaysia to end deadly border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia that have killed at least 41 people and displaced close to one million others.

They will seek to revive a ceasefire that was brokered in July by Malaysia as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and US President Donald Trump.

This meeting marks the first official discussions since the fighting resumed on December 8, with both countries exchanging blame for the resurgence of hostilities.

The roots of this conflict date back over a century to the period following the French colonial administration of Cambodia.

The ongoing violence has seen artillery exchanges along the complex 800 km (500-mile) border, with Thailand conducting air strikes targeting Cambodian military positions.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed cautious optimism for the upcoming talks, emphasizing the need for both parties to secure a lasting peace.

Cambodia is advocating for the restoration of peace and neighborly relations, while Thailand stresses the need for a declaration of ceasefire before any genuine dialogue can commence.

Efforts for mediation are also being made by the US and China, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing hopes for a ceasefire resolution within the coming days.

China's commitment to facilitating dialogue was reaffirmed by its special envoy for Asian affairs, enhancing international efforts aimed at resolving tensions in the region.