Malaysia has called for an immediate ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia in response to escalating violence along their shared border that has left more than a dozen people dead, including civilians.
The escalation is also testing Asean’s unity and credibility, as regional tensions threaten to spiral. Malaysia, as Asean chair this year, is calling for restraint and dialogue.
“I appealed to both leaders for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further hostilities and to create space for peaceful dialogue,” Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
“Both responded positively, and Malaysia stands ready to assist in facilitating this process,” he added.
In a brief statement late Thursday, Anwar said he had contacted the Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai to express Malaysia’s concern over the deadly flare-up.
Heavy fighting erupted Thursday morning across six disputed border areas, particularly near the Ta Moan Thom temple. Thailand reported at least 11 civilians and one soldier killed, with more than 30 others wounded, while Cambodia stated it was responding to a Thai attack on its positions.
Wechayachai and military officials justified their actions as self-defence.
“We remain committed to peaceful means … but what happened was a provocation and we had to defend ourselves,” he said, accusing Cambodian forces of targeting civilians.
“Thailand is ready to protect its sovereignty and our people from inhumane action.”
The clashes mark the worst confrontation between the two countries in more than a decade. Thai artillery reportedly struck hospitals and petrol stations, prompting the evacuation of around 40,000 civilians from border villages.
Hun Manet, meanwhile, made an appeal to the United Nations Security Council for intervention. He urged the council to convene an urgent meeting, demand the immediate withdrawal of Thai forces, and uphold Cambodia’s sovereignty.
He also called on UN members to intervene to halt the violence and facilitate a diplomatic resolution, noting that Cambodia had already referred key disputed areas to the International Court of Justice.
“We call on the UN and the international community to urgently step in to prevent further loss of life and protect Cambodia’s sovereignty,” he said.
Hun Manet also urged Cambodians to remain calm and avoid retaliatory acts against Thai nationals and interests inside Cambodia. He encouraged Cambodian nationals in Thailand who feel unsafe to return home.
The current conflict stems from long-standing border disputes traced back to colonial-era maps and reignited by landmine incidents and a deadly skirmish in May that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.
Diplomatic relations have deteriorated sharply. Thailand has closed its border crossings, recalled its ambassador, expelled Cambodia’s envoy, and downgraded bilateral ties.
