Anwar steps in as ASEAN chair to defuse Thai-Cambodian border feud

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as chairman of ASEAN, has called the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia in an effort to mediate the ongoing border tension between the two countries.

On his Facebook page, Anwar today wrote that he had engaged with both leaders to convey his appreciation for their commitment to resolving the border issue through negotiations and diplomatic channels.

Deeply valuing Malaysia’s strong relations with both countries, Anwar said he urged them to continue exercising restraint, take steps to de-escalate tensions, and work toward a peaceful and comprehensive resolution.

“I am confident that the spirit of regional cooperation and ASEAN’s principles of peaceful dispute resolution will serve as a strong foundation in addressing any disagreements,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra thanked Anwar for calling her this afternoon to discuss the Thai-Cambodian border situation and express his readiness to help both sides resolve the matter.

“I reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to a peaceful resolution through existing bilateral mechanisms, while safeguarding our sovereignty in accordance with international law,” she wrote on her Facebook page.

Photo: Paetongtarn's Facebook page

She also posted a photo of her phone conversation with Anwar. With her during the call were Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and Prime Minister’s Secretary General Prommin Lertsuridej.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet also posted about his conversation with Anwar on his Facebook page, writing that earlier in the evening, he had a telephone call with Anwar and thanked him for his attention to the ongoing situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

He told Anwar that Cambodia adheres to the principle of maintaining peace, friendship, and good cooperation with Thailand.

Photo: Cambodian PM Hun Manet's Facebook page

“Cambodia’s decision to refer Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, Ta Krabei Temple, and the Mom Bei area to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is aimed at seeking an early, peaceful, and permanent solution to the border issue in these areas, rather than prolonging the uncertainty, which could lead to renewed armed conflict.”

Cambodia continues to cooperate with Thailand to expedite the demarcation and delimitation of the border (excluding the four areas mentioned) through the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC).

The country also remains committed to maintaining bilateral relations through all existing mechanisms for the mutual benefit of the two peoples.