Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Statement on the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute on 28/7. The statement urges both countries to implement an immediate ceasefire and negotiate a resolution to the conflict. It also affirms support for Malaysia, as the 2025 ASEAN Chair, in facilitating dialogue between the parties to end the fighting.
The foreign ministers expressed deep concern over the ongoing situation at the border, which has resulted in casualties, damage to public property, and displacement of many residents.
"We strongly urge both sides to exercise maximum restraint and implement an immediate ceasefire," the statement said.
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Military trucks carrying Royal Thai Army soldiers in Si Sa Ket province, 26/7. Photo: AFP |
Military trucks carrying Royal Thai Army soldiers in Si Sa Ket province, 26/7. Photo: AFP
ASEAN called on Thailand and Cambodia to refrain from any actions that could undermine a ceasefire once it is reached. They urged both sides to cease all hostilities and return to negotiations to restore peace and stability.
The foreign ministers urged both countries to resolve their disputes and differences peacefully, based on the principles of the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), in the spirit of family, unity, and good neighborliness within ASEAN.
The ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Statement was released as the first round of dialogue between Cambodian and Thai delegations took place at the Malaysian Prime Minister's Office in Kuala Lumpur today, to discuss the conflict, which has entered its fifth day.
Prime Minister Hun Manet announced last week that Cambodia agreed with US President Donald Trump's proposal during a phone call on 26/7 for an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire" with Thailand.
Acting Prime Minister of Thailand Phumtham Wechayachai said Bangkok is ready to accept a ceasefire agreement, but emphasized that Phnom Penh needs to demonstrate good faith by withdrawing troops and long-range weapons from the border.
Fighting between Cambodian and Thai forces erupted on 24/7, resulting in at least 33 deaths and displacing over 200,000 people on both sides.
Thanh Danh (Vietnam News Agency, MalayMail)
