As border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalate, both countries’ leaders have met in Putrajaya, Malaysia, in a high-stakes effort to resolve one of Southeast Asia’s most long-standing territorial disputes. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the 2025 ASEAN Chair, personally hosted the peace talks on 28 July, hoping to de-escalate the conflict and restart diplomatic negotiations.
High-Level Diplomatic Intervention Amidst Mounting Friction
The emergency summit was attended by Thai acting Prime Minister Puttan, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and senior officials from both countries. The main focus of the dialogue was the recent surge in border skirmishes, especially in the disputed Preah Vihear temple area, where military patrols from both sides have frequently clashed.
Both nations brought in high-level delegates and security was tightened significantly around the Malaysian Prime Minister’s official residence. The presence of United States Ambassador Edgard Kagan and Chinese Ambassador Ouyang Yujing underscored the international community’s concern over the conflict. Though not directly involved in the mediation, both powers acted as “coordinating observers”, a clear sign of the region’s strategic importance to global powers.
ASEAN’s Role in Showcasing Regional Stability
Malaysia’s leadership in facilitating these discussions positions ASEAN as a proactive peace broker, striving to resolve internal conflicts through dialogue rather than military escalation. Prime Minister Anwar has emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, and expressed hopes that the meeting would lead to a formal ceasefire and resumption of talks.
The seating arrangements and strict media protocols highlighted the sensitivity of the talks. Delegations from Thailand and Cambodia were seated opposite each other, while Chinese and American representatives were assigned to the right side of the hall, suggesting a calculated attempt to ensure neutrality.
Trump’s Surprise Involvement and Global Stakes
Interestingly, former US President Donald Trump was reportedly involved in backchannel diplomacy, having phoned both leaders to pressure them into halting military activity. He allegedly used tariff threats as leverage, prompting both sides to agree to peace talks. According to Anwar, China also reached out to both countries, urging restraint.
The root of the conflict lies in the disputed territorial lines near the Preah Vihear temple, an area awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1962. Despite the ruling, the surrounding land remains contested, leading to frequent flare-ups between military patrols.
Seeking a Ceasefire as Clashes Intensify
Recent clashes have raised fears of a larger military confrontation, drawing the attention of both ASEAN member states and major global powers. As ASEAN’s rotating chair for 2025, Malaysia hopes this intervention will become a blueprint for future conflict mediation within the region, showcasing its role in maintaining peace and stability in Southeast Asia.
The coming days will be critical as the outcomes of the Putrajaya summit unfold. If successful, the talks could serve as a turning point in Thai-Cambodian relations, potentially averting a wider crisis in the region.
Image Source Bernama