A prominent Cambodian analyst has shared his appreciation for the role played by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the ASEAN chair, in efforts to calm tense border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia and provide a venue for talks. He noted that such facilitation should not be seen as interference in the affairs of either Thailand or Cambodia.
Kin Phea, director of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said that Anwar, along with US President Donald Trump, played a vital role in brokering and facilitating the ceasefire and peace accord between Cambodia and Thailand.
“At that critical moment, both leaders demonstrated principled diplomacy, unwavering resolve and exceptional leadership in preventing further escalation and restoring stability along our shared border,” he added.
Anwar, today, November 23, denied claims made by some groups in Thailand that Malaysia had interfered in the recent diplomatic tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. He explained that he had only facilitated dialogue towards an amicable solution.
According to Malaysian state media outlet Bernama, Anwar made it clear that Malaysia’s involvement was based on its position as a close and trusted neighbour, and at no point did Malaysia dictate how Thailand and Cambodia should resolve their issues.
“Let us clear the air. Firstly, as neighbours, we are naturally concerned,” he said, as quoted by Bernama, adding that he would raise this allegation with his Thai counterpart, Anutin Charnvirakul, when the latter visits Malaysia.
“It is a normal joint consultation between leaders of both countries. (But) I am sure he will mention the subject and I think consistent with his position is that the Thais will of course want to protect their border.
“And I will have to listen to him and I will facilitate if necessary. But it is important to ensure that there is peace,” he said.
Cambodia as a whole appreciated Anwar and Trump for their intention to bring peace to the two neighbours and the region, according to Phea.
“Ibrahim is very active and devoted his time to facilitating this issue, and he also provided a venue for Thailand and Cambodia for border talks. He did not force any country to accept any condition; he just facilitated. The decision depended on both Thailand and Cambodia,” he said.
Phea also placed high value on the timely intervention of Trump, starting with the ceasefire on July 28. He added that claims that Anwar interfered in Thai internal affairs reflected the ultra-nationalism of some groups.
“Thailand doesn’t want a third party to intervene in this dispute. They want to solve it bilaterally with Cambodia as they see themselves as being stronger in terms of economy, military, media influence and diplomacy, so it would be easier for them to apply more pressure and influence,” said Phea.
He added that Cambodia, on the contrary, wants a third party involved, especially as a witness, because Thailand cannot be trusted.
“Thailand is good at accusations, smearing and putting pressure on Cambodia. The group that claimed that Malaysia or Trump interfered in their domestic affairs… this is a strategy to divert attention from local issues, and to urge Malaysia and the US to stay away from the border dispute. If they stay away, Thailand could easily twist the situation,” he said.
