Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim calls Cambodian, Thai leaders as clashes remain unresolved

PHNOM PENH – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the rotating ASEAN chair, confirmed that he has already contacted the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand. He praised the willingness of both leaders to continue negotiations to de-escalate tensions.

In a social media post this afternoon, December 10, Anwar said he had spoken with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his Thai counterpart Anutin Charnvirakul, to discuss the turmoil that has occurred in the border regions of the two countries.

He said he appreciated the openness and willingness of both leaders to continue negotiations to ease tensions and avoid any misunderstandings that could exacerbate the situation.

“While a definitive resolution has yet to be reached, sustained diplomatic engagement has ensured that no more serious incidents occurred during these critical hours,” he said.

“Malaysia will continue to support peaceful dialogue, solutions grounded in international law and strengthened regional cooperation to safeguard the stability and security of our shared region,” he added.

Also on December 9, speaking from Pennsylvania, US President Donald Trump stated that he plans to make phone calls to the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand after both sides engaged in fresh fighting in the disputed areas along the border.

Trump affirmed that he would use America’s strength — specifically trade — to bring about peace for Cambodia and Thailand, boasting he had done so for many countries at war. Trump spoke with the Cambodian and Thai leadership during the clashes of late July, and again this month.

On December 9, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the closure of negotiation channels with Cambodia, but today he claimed via Thai media that Cambodia has not contacted Thailand for negotiations. Cambodia has not yet issued a response.