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PEACEFUL conflict resolution must remain the overriding priority for all parties involved in the ongoing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said today, as ASEAN faces what he described as a critical moment for its regional and global standing.
Speaking at the opening of the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Mohamad warned that continued instability could erode ASEAN’s reputation as the region’s most successful multilateral organisation.
“ASEAN must do what is necessary to preserve regional peace and stability. Our goal is not merely to defuse tensions, but to intensify engagement among countries and stakeholders and to provide space and direction for dialogue, even when significant differences exist,” he said.
Mohamad also conveyed Malaysia’s concern, in its capacity as ASEAN Chair, over civilian casualties and the prolonged nature of the conflict, which he said has disrupted lives and undermined the well-being of affected communities.
He noted that since tensions escalated in July, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has actively pursued a peaceful solution through sustained engagement with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Those efforts resulted in a ceasefire agreement in July, followed by several subsequent understandings, including the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord signed on October 26 by the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia. The accord was witnessed by Anwar and United States President Donald Trump.
Mohamad urged both Bangkok and Phnom Penh to ensure the full implementation of all agreements and commitments reached.
He reiterated that ASEAN was founded in 1967 as a political and security platform to safeguard regional peace, a principle later reinforced by the declaration of Southeast Asia as a Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality in 1971 and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in 1976.
“These principles of non-interference, peaceful settlement of disputes, rejection of the use of force and effective cooperation for regional security form the core of ASEAN’s commitment to peace and stability, which has been preserved for nearly six decades,” he said.
ASEAN foreign ministers gathered in Kuala Lumpur today for the special meeting to discuss the ongoing situation along the Thailand–Cambodia border, underscoring the bloc’s continued commitment to peace and stability in Southeast Asia.
The meeting was chaired by Mohamad.
Also in attendance were Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeo and foreign ministers from other ASEAN member states. - December 22, 2025