Anwar Ibrahim: Talks with Thailand & Cambodia PMs Focus on Peaceful Solutions

by Ethan Brooks

Malaysia Offers to Mediate thailand-Cambodia Border Dispute, Leaders Reaffirm Peaceful Resolution

Malaysia is stepping forward to offer its mediation services as tensions remain along teh Thailand-Cambodia border following recent clashes.On November 13, 2025, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, also the current ASEAN president, announced he has been in direct interaction with both Cambodian prime Minister samdech Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, securing commitments to a peaceful resolution.

Diplomatic Efforts Underway

The diplomatic push comes in the wake of a series of retaliatory shooting incidents along the shared border in recent days. Prime Minister Ibrahim detailed his conversations in a Facebook post, emphasizing the urgency of de-escalation and a return to dialogue. “I have spoken with samdech Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, and Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand, to discuss the latest developments in peace efforts after the recent events along the common border of the two countries,” he stated.

Both leaders,according to Ibrahim,responded “positively” and “reaffirmed their commitment to finding a peaceful solution,” aligning with the principles outlined in the Kuala Lumpur Peace declaration. This declaration, agreed upon last month, serves as a foundational framework for ongoing negotiations.

Did you know? – The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute centers on the area surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The International Court of justice awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, but surrounding land remains contested.

Malaysia’s Role as Mediator

Malaysia is positioning itself as a key facilitator in the process, offering to reprise its role as mediator. Ibrahim reiterated his nation’s stance, stating, “I would like to reiterate Malaysia’s position that the friendship and ceasefire between the two countries must be further strengthened in line with the agreement concluded in Kuala Lumpur last month. I also expressed Malaysia’s readiness to continue our role as mediator in charting this path to peace.”

The offer has been well-received by both Phnom Penh and Bangkok.The prime ministers of both countries expressed their “gratitude for Malaysia’s position and the responsibility we bear, not only as Chairman of ASEAN but also as a friendly country and close neighbor committed to peace in the region.” This regional support underscores the importance of a collaborative approach to resolving the dispute.

Pro tip: – ASEAN’s principle of non-interference in member states’ internal affairs can sometimes hinder swift responses to conflicts.Malaysia’s proactive mediation is a notable exception.

A Call for Stability and Courage

Ibrahim concluded his statement with a call for continued determination and courage from both Thailand and Cambodia. “Let the two countries continue to show the determination and courage needed to restore stability along the border, for lasting peace in the region and the continued safety of their people.” The situation remains fluid, but the ongoing diplomatic efforts offer a hopeful path toward de-escalation and a lasting resolution to the border tensions.

Why: Tensions flared along the Thailand-Cambodia border due to a series of retaliatory shooting incidents.
Who: The key players are Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (acting as mediator), Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun manet, and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. ASEAN is also a central association.
What: Malaysia offered its mediation services to de-escalate the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. Both countries accepted the offer and reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful resolution based on the Kuala Lumpur Peace Declaration.
How did it end?: As of November 13, 2025, the dispute hasn’t been fully resolved, but both Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to continue dialogue and accept Malaysia’s mediation, offering a hopeful path toward de-escalation and a lasting resolution. The situation is described as “fluid,” indicating ongoing efforts.

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