ASEAN chief urges stronger diplomacy between Thailand and Cambodia

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn has called on Thailand and Cambodia to intensify diplomatic efforts to resolve their persistent border conflicts. Speaking at a regional media meeting in Manila, Kao highlighted the impact of past clashes on people and the need for continued dialogue despite an existing ceasefire.

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I think we have to make all efforts because what happened in 2025 had an impact on the people on both sides of the border, and people in both countries have been displaced.

"The bottom line is that we still have a ceasefire, but the issue remains," Kao stated, urging both nations to leverage the current opportunity to bolster diplomacy. He emphasized that sustained engagement is crucial for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.

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At the same time, the bottom line is that we still have a ceasefire, but the issue remains.

Kao expressed hope that Cambodia and Thailand would uphold ASEAN's spirit of solidarity and unity, recognizing their permanent neighborly relationship and the ample scope for enhanced diplomatic efforts. He referenced past initiatives, including the 2025 Putrajaya Peace Accord mediated by Malaysia and supported by then-U.S. President Donald Trump, which secured an immediate ceasefire. Additionally, he mentioned the December 2025 Special ASEAN Ministers' Meeting where military authorities from both countries agreed to discuss ceasefire arrangements.

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I hope, as the secretary-general of Asean, that both countries will continue to uphold the Asean spirit of solidarity and unity. Cambodia and Thailand are permanent neighbouring countries, and there remains ample space to intensify all diplomatic efforts.