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MALAYSIA will act as mediator in talks between Thailand and Cambodia aimed at resolving their ongoing border conflict, following agreement by both nations to exclude external involvement, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan confirmed today.
Speaking to Bernama after officiating the Segambut UMNO division delegates meeting, Mohamad said that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai are expected to arrive in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow evening to initiate dialogue.
“I had the opportunity to speak with the Foreign Ministers of both Thailand and Cambodia. They both agreed that no other country should be involved in this issue. They have full confidence in Malaysia and have requested me to act as mediator,” he said.
Mohamad added that he is expecting a call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had expressed Washington’s interest in supporting the peace process.
“However, I believe it is better for Malaysia to act as mediator first, as this is an internal ASEAN matter, and Malaysia, as the ASEAN Chair, should play that role,” he said.
The development positions Malaysia at the heart of regional peace-building efforts, in line with its leadership role within ASEAN in 2025. Talks are expected to focus on de-escalating tensions along the disputed border zone and setting a framework for long-term resolution.
Mohamad Hasan said both Thailand and Cambodia have expressed strong confidence in Malaysia’s ability to act as a neutral mediator in their ongoing border dispute.
He said Malaysia views an immediate ceasefire as the most urgent step to de-escalate tensions and allow civilians living near the border to resume their daily lives without fear.
“For a comprehensive resolution between the two countries, Malaysia has proposed that negotiations be conducted through the existing mechanism — the Thailand-Cambodia General Border Committee (GBC),” he said.
Mohamad noted that the GBC platform is effective for sensitive border matters where each side may accuse the other, as it enables operational-level officers from both nations to meet directly and issue joint statements.
“Let the operational officials discuss and issue a statement. The leaders of both countries only need to endorse it. This would allow for a dignified solution without assigning blame, while implementing a ceasefire,” he said. - July 27, 2025
