PH ready to mediate in Thai-Cambodia conflict, DFA says

The Philippines, incoming chairman of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), on Monday said it is ready to assume as mediator between Thailand and Cambodia, two of the bloc's members locked in a violent border conflict that has escalated in deadly exchange of fire in recent weeks.

Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro made this pronouncement at a special ASEAN Foreign Ministers meeting at the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, where top diplomats tackled the resumption of violence between the two neighbors, five months after a ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump.

Monday's meeting was called by Malaysia as current ASEAN Chair.

"Following the discussions today, the Philippines said that it is prepared to assume the role of facilitator/mediator between Cambodia and Thailand should both parties decide to make use of the good offices of the Chair once the Philippines assumes the Chairship in January 2026," a statement by the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

Scores of people on both sides of the border have been reported killed in the fighting since last week, while more than half a million have been displaced, according to Thai and Cambodian officials.

The fighting has drawn concern from many countries, including the US.

On Sunday, the US Department of State urged Thailand and Cambodia to “end hostilities, withdraw heavy weapons, cease emplacement of landmines, and fully implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, which include mechanisms to accelerate humanitarian demining and address border issues.”

In a separate statement, Lazaro said the Philippines supports "any agreement between the two Parties towards a peaceful and sustainable solution to the situation under the facilitation of the ASEAN Chair Malaysia."

"I welcomed the openness and the sincerity of Cambodia and Thailand to dialogue and cessation of hostilities," Lazaro said on X.

Relations between the Southeast Asian neighbors have deteriorated after a Cambodian soldier was killed during an armed confrontation in a patch of land both countries claim.

The two also downgraded diplomatic relations by recalling their respective ambassadors in each other's countries.

Manila has repeatedly said it does not take any position on the dispute, but called on the two nations to maintain "open lines of communication and ensuring the de-escalation of the situation." — RSJ, GMA Integrated News