Cambodia Urges ASEAN Support to Safeguard Ceasefire Along Thai Border

PHNOM PENH, 31 January 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has urged ASEAN to continue backing efforts to preserve peace along its border with Thailand, warning that ongoing violations threaten to undermine a fragile ceasefire.

Speaking at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Cebu, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn briefed his counterparts on developments since a special ASEAN meeting in Kuala Lumpur in December 2025.

He outlined follow-up actions from the 3rd Special General Border Committee meeting on 27 December, which established a second ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand.

Sokhonn expressed gratitude to Malaysia, ASEAN chair in 2025, for facilitating the truce, and thanked member states for contributing personnel to the ASEAN Observer Team.

The two sides had agreed on de-escalation measures and steps toward a peaceful resolution in line with international law and existing treaties, Sokhonn said, stressing that the arrangements did not prejudice border demarcation or the international boundary.

However, he cautioned that certain activities remained inconsistent with the joint statement, particularly regarding respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Such actions, he warned, risked escalating tensions and delaying a return to normalcy.

At the time of the meeting, more than 9,600 Cambodians from nearly 2,500 families were still unable to return home due to security concerns, damaged or destroyed houses, and physical obstructions. Thousands of children remained unable to attend school, he added.

Cambodia, Sokhonn said, remained fully committed to implementing the ceasefire and joint statement in good faith, with the aim of restoring peace and paving the way for a lasting solution between the two neighbours.

He urged ASEAN members to continue supporting a peaceful settlement in accordance with international law and the principle of non-use of force, warning against a global trend towards the normalisation of coercion in international relations.

“ASEAN must not go down this path,” Sokhonn said. “This is about our community, our family and our future.”

On the sidelines of the retreat, Sokhonn held bilateral meetings with foreign ministers from Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and Laos.

Talks focused on strengthening ties, preparations for upcoming joint commissions, and milestone anniversaries of diplomatic relations. Cambodia also updated partners on the situation along the Thai border.