President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday announced that Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to keep diplomatic channels open and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions over their ongoing border dispute.
The breakthrough came after a trilateral meeting facilitated by the Philippines on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu City.
Marcos said the talks between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul were candid and productive, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to peace and regional stability.
The Philippine President personally witnessed the two leaders shake hands following the meeting, which was organized under the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
According to Marcos, both sides recognized the importance of restraint, open communication, and continued dialogue in resolving tensions peacefully.
“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 President added that both governments agreed to direct their foreign ministers to continue discussions and explore concrete measures aimed at preventing further conflict and protecting the welfare of their citizens.
The border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia intensified in mid-2025 over disputed territories near ancient Khmer temple sites. The conflict reportedly resulted in armed clashes, airstrikes, more than 100 deaths, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents.
Marcos said the meeting also reaffirmed the role of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), which is tasked with monitoring and verifying compliance with agreements between the two countries.
The mandate of the observer team was extended for another three months until July, with the Philippines continuing to serve as coordinator of the mission.
The President stressed that peace and stability remain essential to ASEAN’s continued growth and prosperity, adding that all member-states share the responsibility of preserving regional unity.
“As Cambodia and Thailand continue to work on the situation, the Philippines commits to continue offering its good offices to enable both countries to engage in sustained dialogue and cooperation,” Marcos said.
He also expressed confidence that both nations would be able to resolve their differences peacefully in the spirit of ASEAN solidarity and cooperation.