ASEAN Diplomats Unite to Halt Thailand-Cambodia Conflicts

Sun Feb 01 2026 05:44:41 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In response to escalating clashes at the Thailand-Cambodia border, ASEAN diplomats convene in Malaysia to revive ceasefire discussions amidst rising humanitarian concerns.

South East Asian diplomats are set to meet in Malaysia to address the ongoing violence between Thailand and Cambodia, which has resulted in at least 41 deaths and nearly a million displaced individuals. The discussions aim to revive a ceasefire originally brokered by Malaysia and the US. Both nations have blamed each other for the renewed fighting, and it remains critical for peace talks to recommence in light of international mediation efforts from both the US and China.

South East Asia's top diplomats are set to meet Monday in Malaysia to end deadly border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia that have killed at least 41 people and displaced close to one million others.

They will seek to revive a ceasefire that was brokered in July by Malaysia as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and US President Donald Trump.

This meeting will be the first between both countries since fighting resumed on December 8, with both nations blaming one another for the hostilities.

The conflict dates back over a century, following the drawing of their borders after French colonial rule.

The latest clashes have seen artillery exchanges along the 800 km (500-mile) border, along with air strikes initiated by Thailand targeting Cambodian positions.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who oversaw the July ceasefire signing, expressed cautious optimism regarding the upcoming discussions in Kuala Lumpur, emphasizing the necessity of securing lasting peace.

Cambodia aims to restore 'peace, stability and good neighbourly relations' through the talks, while Thailand has reiterated conditions, including a prior ceasefire declaration from Cambodia.

Both the US and China are making mediation efforts for a new ceasefire, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing hope for an agreement by early next week.