Cebu: Cambodia has continued to play a proactive role in addressing the border conflict with Thailand within the ASEAN framework, as discussed at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat held yesterday in Cebu, the Philippines. At the meeting, Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister, H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, briefed ASEAN counterparts on the actual situation on the ground in the border conflict areas. He reaffirmed Cambodia's strong commitment to resolving disputes peacefully, in accordance with international law, existing treaties, and agreements, in order to ensure regional peace and stability.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, following his remarks, ASEAN foreign ministers shared their collective commitment to maintaining and promoting peace, security, and stability in the region, as well as to the peaceful resolution of disputes. They reiterated the importance of full respect for legal and diplomatic processes, without resorting to the threat or use of force, in line with international law.
The ministers welcomed the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Kingdom of Thailand on December 27, 2025, and called for its full and effective implementation. This effort is aimed at promoting the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, thereby contributing to peace and stability between the two countries and in the wider region, as stated in the Chair's press statement.
The ASEAN Foreign Ministers also underscored the importance of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) in verifying and ensuring the effective implementation of all agreed measures, based on its mandate. The statement further noted the extension of the AOT's mandate and acknowledged the steps taken by Malaysia to ensure a smooth transition of the coordinator role to the Philippines as ASEAN Chair.
Border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand have flared up since May last year and escalated into armed exchanges on two occasions: first from July 24-28, and then from December 7-27, 2025. During these periods, Cambodia suffered significant damage, particularly to civilian infrastructure, local communities, schools, and ancient temples, including Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.