ASEAN Chair Pushes Peace Talks Between Cambodia and Thailand
ASEAN Chair Pushes Peace Talks Between Cambodia and Thailand
CEBU, May 7, 2026 — Cambodia and Thailand agreed to maintain open dialogue and avoid actions that could escalate tensions after talks hosted by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit, amid continuing border and maritime disputes between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.
Marcos, acting in his capacity as ASEAN chair for 2026, convened a trilateral meeting in Cebu with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
“The Philippines arranged this meeting as a way to provide its good offices in our capacity as Chair of ASEAN for 2026 to Cambodia and Thailand,” Marcos told a joint press conference after the talks.
He said both leaders reaffirmed the importance of restraint, continued communication and peaceful engagement.
“They have both reaffirmed the importance of maintaining open communication, exercising restraint, avoiding actions that may escalate tensions, and continuing efforts towards peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement,” Marcos said.
The Philippine leader added that both sides shared a “clear, fervent belief” that “it is time for peace and no longer the time for war.”
Hun Manet thanked the Philippines for facilitating the meeting and praised Manila’s role in promoting regional stability.
“Cambodia stands ready to move forward constructively, swiftly, and in good faith,” the Cambodian prime minister said.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin said both countries should avoid conflict and focus on peaceful solutions.
“Thailand and Cambodia are two neighboring countries. It is best that we avoid conflict — it only brings losses and suffering,” he said.
The meeting came amid renewed tensions over disputed territory near the Preah Vihear temple area and overlapping maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand. Border tensions intensified in 2025 following deadly clashes and military buildups along contested frontier areas.
Both leaders said they had instructed their foreign ministers to continue “open and candid dialogue” and explore detailed measures to prevent escalation and preserve regional stability.
Marcos also announced that the mandate of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), tasked with monitoring implementation of agreements between Cambodia and Thailand, would be extended for another three months until July.
“The Philippines underscores its commitment to fulfill its obligation as coordinator of the AOT,” Marcos said.
The Philippine president said the talks reflected ASEAN’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution, sovereignty and regional solidarity.
“The Philippines commits to continue offering its good offices to enable both countries to engage in sustained dialogue and cooperation,” he said.
