Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged Thailand and Cambodia to show restraint after fresh clashes reignited their long-running border dispute. He warned that renewed fighting could undo the progress made under a ceasefire he helped broker. Anwar called for calm as tensions again threaten regional stability.
Anwar issued his appeal on Monday as chair of ASEAN, which aims to maintain peace among its member states. He stressed that both sides must avoid escalation to protect civilians near the border. Moreover, he highlighted the importance of preventing a wider regional crisis. His statement followed reports of new military exchanges along the contested frontier.
Read more: Thailand launches air strikes as border ceasefire collapses
The prime minister urged both governments to keep communication channels open to reduce misunderstandings. He also encouraged them to rely on existing conflict-management mechanisms developed under ASEAN. Additionally, he warned that distrust could grow if dialogue stalls. His message reflected rising concern across Southeast Asia.
I am deeply concerned by reports of armed clashes between Cambodian and Thai forces along their common border. I offer my condolences to the families of those who have been killed or injured. The renewed fighting risks unravelling the careful work that has gone into stabilising… pic.twitter.com/PWFnFku4Z1
— Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) December 8, 2025
Anwar said the renewed clashes threaten to weaken the ceasefire he previously helped mediate. He noted that significant diplomatic effort went into securing that agreement. Furthermore, he emphasized that stability benefits both nations and the region. He urged leaders to prioritize peace over military action.
Read more: Thai fighter jet bombs Cambodia as border tensions rise
ASEAN has long played a role in easing tension between Thailand and Cambodia. Yet the latest flare-up shows that the dispute remains fragile. Even so, Anwar expressed hope that both sides will act responsibly. He reaffirmed Malaysia’s readiness to support further dialogue and prevent deeper conflict.