ASEAN Meets in Malaysia to End Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes

Displaced people walk after receiving food at a temporary shelter amid clashes between Thailand and Cambodia along a disputed border area, in Buriram province, Thailand, Dec 16, 2025.

Southeast Asian foreign ministers gathered in Malaysia on Monday to seek a resolution to the ongoing border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, which have killed at least 40 people and displaced over half a million this month.

The meeting, hosted by Malaysia—this year’s ASEAN chair—aims to revive a short-lived ceasefire and de-escalate tensions along the two countries’ 817-kilometre (508-mile) disputed border. Both Thailand and Cambodia are attending the talks, marking their first face-to-face meeting since fighting resumed on December 8.

Each side blames the other for the collapse of previous peace agreements, including a July ceasefire and an October deal. Clashes have been reported across forested inland areas near Laos and coastal provinces, with airstrikes, rocket fire, and drone attacks intensifying the conflict.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed cautious optimism that the meeting could allow Thailand and Cambodia to negotiate openly and reach a fair, lasting solution. “I emphasised the importance for Cambodia and Thailand to uphold dialogue, wisdom, and mutual respect to end tensions and maintain peace in the region,” he said.

An ASEAN team will present findings from field observations and satellite monitoring technology supplied by the US. The meeting also follows separate diplomatic efforts by the US and China, which so far have not yielded results.

Both countries’ militaries continue to carry out operations along the border. Thailand has conducted airstrikes and halted fuel shipments through a Laotian checkpoint, while Cambodia has reportedly used drones to target Thai positions and fired rockets at civilian areas.

The talks in Kuala Lumpur aim to pave the way for dialogue and a possible de-escalation, with regional leaders hoping to restore stability along one of Southeast Asia’s most contested borders.