Ceasefire hopes rest on meet
Asean foreign affairs ministers urge calm
December 22, 2025
All eyes are on the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting taking place in Kuala Lumpur on Monday as to whether it will lead to a formal ceasefire as regional leaders seek to calm escalating tensions along the Thai–Cambodian border.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as Asean chair, said in a social media post on Sunday that he had spoken to the leaders of both countries to explore the best path toward easing hostilities, urging Bangkok and Phnom Penh to embrace dialogue, wisdom and mutual respect to preserve regional peace and stability. "The foreign ministers' meeting will serve as an appropriate and constructive platform for the two countries to engage in open dialogue, resolve their differences peacefully, and reach a fair and lasting solution," wrote Mr Anwar.
The meeting is seen as a critical platform for Thailand and Cambodia to engage in open discussions, clarify their positions and explore ways to de-escalate.
The Thai government's joint press centre on the Thai–Cambodian border situation said the international community has high expectations that Monday's session will help reduce tensions, though it remains uncertain whether the talks will result in a formal ceasefire.
Both Thailand and Cambodia have confirmed their participation, while other Asean member states are also sending senior representatives, said the centre, adding that while Asean upholds its long-standing principle of non-interference, the bloc has emphasised that consultation remains essential when regional peace and security are at stake.
The press centre also stressed the meeting will not be used to pressure Thailand, saying the country's stance is grounded in international principles, legitimacy and factual evidence. "Thailand did not initiate the clashes and has consistently maintained clear conditions for ending the conflict," the centre said.
Whether a ceasefire emerges, it said, will largely depend on security assessments on the ground by the Thai armed forces and Cambodia's demonstration of genuine intent to halt hostilities. Thailand's priority, the centre added, is lasting peace that guarantees national security and the safety of civilians.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, speaking in Surin after overseeing the return of two fallen Thai soldiers, said Thailand has never been the aggressor.
Military operations, he said, are aimed solely at safeguarding sovereignty and restoring security in areas previously intruded upon. He called on Cambodia to stop cross-border provocations, including drone activity.
"Thailand has never been the aggressor or threatened any neighbouring country, nor have we violated any agreements or declarations. All of our actions are aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and security," he said. "If we are to end the clashes, there must be a ceasefire, an end to intimidation and aggression, including the use of drones along the border."
Mr Anutin also said evacuation measures in high-risk areas remain at 100% due to intermittent military action, adding civilian safety must come first. "No third country has been asked to mediate discussions, as the issue remains strictly bilateral, though Asean serves as an important diplomatic forum," he said. Despite Thailand being in the pre-election period, he said the government retains full authority to protect national security and care for its people.
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