ASEAN Issues Strong Call for Immediate De-escalation in Cambodia–Thailand Conflict
ASEAN Issues Strong Call for Immediate De-escalation in Cambodia–Thailand Conflict
Kuala Lumpur, 22 December 2025 — ASEAN Foreign Ministers convening in a Special Meeting in Kuala Lumpur expressed grave concern over the continued tensions and hostilities between Cambodia and Thailand, urging both sides to immediately cease all forms of violence and return to dialogue to prevent further escalation.
Meeting under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025, the Ministers reaffirmed ASEAN unity, solidarity, and centrality as indispensable to safeguarding regional peace and stability, in accordance with the ASEAN Charter. The meeting was held pursuant to the decision of the Prime Ministers of Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand on 11 December 2025.
The Ministers welcomed and commended the active diplomatic engagement of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as ASEAN Chair, alongside international partners including the United States and China, in facilitating efforts toward a peaceful resolution. They also acknowledged the willingness of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to continue engaging ASEAN mechanisms to reduce tensions and prevent miscalculations along the shared border.
ASEAN recalled previous commitments, including the 28 July ceasefire arrangement, outcomes of the Extraordinary General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting of 7 August, and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration of 26 October 2025, stressing that full and effective implementation of these agreements is urgent and non-negotiable.
The Foreign Ministers expressed serious alarm over the humanitarian consequences of the conflict, noting significant casualties, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and displacement of civilians on both sides of the border. ASEAN called on both Cambodia and Thailand to ensure the safe, dignified, and unobstructed return of displaced civilians to their homes and livelihoods as they existed prior to the outbreak of hostilities.
Reaffirming core principles of international law, peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for internationally recognized boundaries, ASEAN strongly urged both parties to exercise maximum restraint, refrain from the threat or use of force, and restore mutual trust and confidence.
ASEAN further called for the revival of bilateral dialogue, utilization of the good offices of the ASEAN Chair, resumption of humanitarian demining cooperation, and military de-escalation along the border under observation by the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT).
The Foreign Ministers welcomed ongoing discussions toward resuming the ceasefire and confirmed that the General Border Committee will convene on 24 December 2025 to deliberate on ceasefire implementation and verification. ASEAN expressed strong hope for swift de-escalation and a durable, peaceful resolution.
ASEAN underscored that it will remain actively seized of the matter, signaling continued regional oversight and diplomatic engagement until peace and stability are fully restored.
