Although Thailand has claimed it only used force and razor wire barricades to protect its territory, the ASEAN chair has called for the use of dialogue, emphasising the bloc’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution.
In a Septeber18 social media post, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the 2025 ASEAN chair, said he had spoken with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and been updated on the border situation, where recent clashes between Thai forces and Cambodian villagers have heightened tensions.
During the September 18 call, Manet and Anwar discussed the escalating situation in Prey Chan village, O’Chrov district.
“I am calling for all unresolved issues to be brought to the negotiation table through the Joint Border Committee Meeting (JBC),” Anwar wrote.
His appeal aligned with Manet’s request for the ASEAN chair to intervene and prevent Thailand from installing additional razor wire barricades in Prey Chan village and other areas.
Manet emphasised the need to maintain the current ceasefire until the JBC resolves the issue.
He stressed the importance of easing tensions, avoiding further actions that could escalate the conflict and maintaining the status quo until the border dispute is resolved by the JBC.
Royal Thai Army spokesman Winthai Suwaree defended his forces’ actions, stating that Thai police, not troops, used rubber bullets and tear gas defensively to protect Thai property, particularly a razor wire fence.
He added that the RTA would ask the foreign ministry to present Thailand’s own evidence to Anwar to ensure fairness and prevent Malaysia from being perceived as lacking neutrality, according to Tha media reports.
Winthai urged Cambodia to communicate transparently.
Anwar reiterated Malaysia’s position that “the spirit of dialogue, diplomacy and understanding among ASEAN members is the best way to resolve any form of dispute”.
He called for both countries to prioritise peaceful solutions to the border conflict.
Other ASEAN members are closely monitoring the situation at the border, amid concerns that the escalation could undermine regional stability.
On September 17, Thai forces fought with Cambodian protestors in Banteay Meanchey province’s Prey Chan village.
The use of tear gas and rubber bullets left almost 30 Cambodians, including monks, injured, some seriously.
