ASEAN Chair Anwar Ibrahim Asks Thailand-Kamboja To Ceasefire

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim/PHOTO via Instagram @anwaribrahim_my

JAKARTA - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim who is also the Chair of ASEAN appealed to Cambodian and Thai leaders to immediately implement a ceasefire against his military to ease escalation on the borders of the two countries.

PM Anwar has contacted Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Acting Prime Minister of the Thai Kingdom, Phumtham Wechayachai, to convey his appeal.

"I express Malaysian concern over the increasing tensions along the border between the two countries. As Chair of ASEAN 2025, I urge the two leaders to immediately implement a ceasefire to prevent further escalation of conflict and pave the way for peaceful dialogue and diplomatic settlement," Anwar said in a statement reported by ANTARA, Thursday, July 24.

Anwar welcomed the positive signal and willingness shown by Bangkok and Phnom Penh in considering this issue. Malaysia is ready to assist and facilitate this process with the spirit of unity and shared responsibility of ASEAN.

"I firmly believe that ASEAN's strength lies in its solidarity, and peace must always be our collective and unshakable choice," said Anwar.

Clashes occurred in the border area between Thailand and Cambodia after Cambodia first opened fire that injured a Thai soldier, the Thai Army said on Thursday (24/7).

The Thai Army said its task force detected Cambodia's unmanned vehicle (UAV) flying over the Ta Muen temple complex at 07.35 local time.

After UAV's activity, six Cambodian armed soldiers moved closer to barbed wire in front of Thailand's operational base, the Thai Army said.

Thai soldiers are trying to defuse the situation through verbal communication, shouting at approaching troops to avoid conflict while still implementing high vigilance, the Thai Army said.