At Philippines-arranged meeting, Cambodia, Thailand task ministers to sustain talks

LAPU-LAPU CITY–Cambodia and Thailand have directed their foreign ministers to sustain dialogue to prevent the escalation of conflict between the two countries, as the Philippines arranged the trilateral meeting to discuss their border issues on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. made the announcement, which was affirmed by the Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.

"This meeting was arranged by the Philippines as a way to provide its good offices in our capacity as Chair of ASEAN for 2026 to Cambodia and Thailand in order to provide a meaningful space for constructive dialogue on their bilateral border issues," Marcos said in a joint press conference.

Clashes broke out between Thailand and Cambodia along a disputed area of their border in July 2025, with their militaries accusing each other of firing the first shots after weeks of simmering tension.

The conflict has resulted in hundreds of deaths and forced thousands to flee.

The dispute also resulted in Cambodia pulling out its athletes from the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, which Thailand hosted in Bangkok and Chonburi.

“They have both reaffirmed the importance of maintaining open communication, exercising restraint, avoiding actions that may escalate tensions, and continuing efforts towards peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement,” Marcos said of the Thai and Cambodian leaders.

“I believe this was possible because of a very clear, fervent belief by both leaders that it is time for peace and no longer the time for war,” he added.

Marcos said that the two prime ministers agreed to task their respective foreign ministers to sustain an open and candid dialogue and to discuss more directly in detail constructive approaches to prevent escalation, foster the conditions for peace and stability, and to safeguard the well-being of their peoples.

“We express our confidence in the ability of both Cambodia and Thailand to resolve the matter amicably and to manage their border differences peacefully in the spirit of ASEAN solidarity and unity,” he said.

Hun Manet, meanwhile, said that he and Anutin met with a collective resolve for lasting peace.

The Cambodian Prime Minister said the path for dealing with the overlapping maritime claim with Thailand was also discussed.

“Moving forward, we have tasked our two foreign ministers to engage in further discussions in detail and carry them forward in a practical and result-oriented manner, just like the President has mentioned,” he said.

Anutin, on the other hand, said that their respective foreign ministers will work together on a list of practical confidence-building measures, beginning with issues where they have common ground and can be implemented immediately.

“Thailand and Cambodia are two neighboring countries. It is best that we avoid conflict. It only brings losses and suffering. Now is the time for us to look forward and walk this path together towards peace. This requires sincerity, good faith, and determination,” he said.

AOT extended

The leaders also announced after the trilateral meeting that the mandate of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) was extended for three months or until July 2026, with the Philippines serving as its coordinator.

The AOT is a body composed of representatives from ASEAN member states tasked with observing, verifying, and reporting on the implementation of the ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand.

“And so as Cambodia and Thailand continue to work on the situation, the Philippines commits to continue offering its good offices to enable both countries to engage in sustained dialogue and cooperation, especially towards upholding the commitments and principles agreed upon by the two parties,” Marcos said.

In December last year, Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro said the Philippines, as ASEAN chair, is ready to assume the role of mediator between Thailand and Cambodia. –RF/NB, GMA News