Peace Is The Only Option, Says Anwar On Thai-Cambodian Clash

PETALING JAYA, July 24 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hopes both Thailand and Cambodia will cease military engagements along their disputed borders and enter into peace talks soon.

Describing the fresh skirmish between Thai and Cambodian troops early today as concerning, Anwar said he hopes to speak with the leaders of both nations later today to express his views.

“They’re important members of ASEAN; they’re very close to Malaysia and I have been messaging both the Prime Ministers.

“The least we can expect is for them to stand down, and hopefully to try and enter into negotiations.

“They have tried, but I still think peace is the only option available,” he told reporters after delivering his keynote address at the ASEAN Semiconductor Summit 2025 (ASEMIS) here today.

Anwar said that though he previously had initial discussions with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and now-suspended Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra last month, he is keen to hold another round of talks with them.

Thailand’s former defence chief Phumtham Wechayachai was appointed acting Prime Minister earlier this month after the Constitutional Court suspended Paetongtarn pending an ethics probe.

Asked if the conflict could affect trade relations, Anwar said it is too premature to discuss that aspect.

“I think it’s temporary. Both have their countries' interests at heart. Both want a peaceful resolution of the conflict, and both want to keep ASEAN engaged. And we'll do precisely that,” he said, emphasising Malaysia’s role as the 2025 ASEAN Chair.

Cambodia and Thailand have been involved in a bitter diplomatic row since May 28, following a border clash between the two countries’ soldiers along the Preah Vihear border.

A Cambodian soldier was killed in the shootout.

On Wednesday, the Thai government downgraded diplomatic relations with Cambodia in immediate retaliation after a Thai soldier was injured by what the government claimed was a newly planted landmine.

The Cambodian government reciprocated by lowering its diplomatic ties with Thailand to the lowest level on Thursday.

According to today’s report, a Thai civilian was killed and three others, including a five-year-old child, were seriously injured following a clash between Thai and Cambodian troops in a disputed border area early Thursday.

The two Southeast Asian neighbours have been disputing an 817-km undemarcated border for decades, which continues to sour diplomatic ties.

-- BERNAMA