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THAILAND and Cambodia have agreed to convene additional discussions aimed at ending their deadly border conflict, with talks scheduled for later this week under the existing Joint Boundary Committee mechanism, Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said on Monday.
Speaking to reporters after crisis talks hosted by Malaysia, Sihasak said the upcoming meeting was proposed by Phnom Penh and would take place on December 24.
“The discussion will be held in the framework of the JBC, joint boundary committee, which is already existing. And the meeting is scheduled, and this is proposed by the Cambodian side, on the 24th of December,” AFP cited him saying.
Sihasak stressed that any cessation of hostilities must be reflected on the ground rather than through formal announcements.
“Our position is a ceasefire does not come with an announcement but must come from actions,” he said.
The Thai foreign minister also addressed a previous agreement between the two countries that was signed in Kuala Lumpur in October but later stalled, suggesting that the process had been rushed under external pressure.
“I’ve noted that we were sometimes in a rush to do the (joint) declaration. Because the United States wanted the declaration signed in time by the visit of President Trump,” he said, referring to the ceremony overseen by U.S. President Donald Trump.
While acknowledging the importance of swift diplomacy, Sihasak cautioned against premature agreements that lack sufficient groundwork.
“I mean the earliest, the earlier the better, but sometimes we really need to sit down... so that things that we agree will really hold, really be respected,” he said.
Earlier on Monday, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan underscored ASEAN’s responsibility to ensure regional peace and stability, calling for a more comprehensive approach to the Cambodia-Thailand situation that goes beyond reducing immediate tensions.
Mohamad said that, as ASEAN Chair, Malaysia believes the bloc must intensify trust-building efforts between the parties and ensure that dialogue continues despite deep-seated differences.
He emphasised that stability in Southeast Asia remains a shared responsibility.
He added that ASEAN’s response should be informed by lessons from the past and anchored in collective values that have helped the region navigate previous crises.
“Asean must do whatever is necessary to maintain regional peace and stability. Our goal goes beyond de-escalating the tensions.
“We must intensify trust-building among the conflicting parties and provide the horizons for dialogue despite the prevailing differences,” Mohamad said in his opening remarks at the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the current situation between Thailand and Cambodia in the Malaysian capital.
The renewed commitment to talks reflects ASEAN’s continued efforts to manage regional disputes through dialogue and established mechanisms, as member states seek to prevent further escalation along the contested border.
In a new developoment, ASEAN foreign ministers have agreed to convene the Joint Boundary Committee (GBC) on 24 December 2025 to review and verify the implementation of a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, following ongoing concerns over heightened tensions along the shared border.
The decision was announced by Malaysia’s Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, after presiding over a Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in the Malaysian capital aimed at addressing the current situation between the two neighbouring nations.
“The meeting welcomed discussions on the resumption of the ceasefire and agreed that the Joint Boundary Committee meeting will be held on 24 December 2025 to discuss the implementation and verification of the ceasefire,” Mohamad told reporters.
Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, also highlighted the efforts of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in encouraging both parties to halt hostilities and de-escalate border tensions. The ministers were briefed on reports from the ASEAN Observation Team (AOT) and heard Cambodia and Thailand share their respective positions on the matter.
“The meeting acknowledged the proactive role and continuous engagement of Anwar and US President Donald Trump, alongside the active participation of ASEAN member states and China, in promoting a peaceful resolution,” Mohamad said. He noted the willingness of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to maintain direct interaction with the ASEAN Chair as a positive step toward reducing tensions and preventing misunderstandings.
ASEAN ministers emphasised the bloc’s commitment to unity, solidarity, and the principle of ASEAN Centrality in safeguarding regional peace, security, and stability, consistent with the ASEAN Charter.
“ASEAN urges both countries to fully implement the ceasefire arrangements of 28 July, the decisions of the Extraordinary GBC Meeting on 7 August, and the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement signed on 26 October 2025,” Mohamad said.
The ministers expressed serious concern over casualties, damage to public infrastructure, and the displacement of civilians along both borders, calling for safe, dignified, and unhindered return of affected residents. They further urged Cambodia and Thailand to immediately cease hostilities, rebuild mutual trust, and return to dialogue through bilateral mechanisms. - December 22, 2025