Philippines ready to mediate Thailand-Cambodia border conflict as incoming ASEAN chair

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (Dec.24,2025) — The Philippines, set to assume the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in January, said it is prepared to mediate between Thailand and Cambodia amid renewed violence along their disputed border.

Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro made the announcement during a special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, convened by Malaysia as the current chair, to address escalating clashes between the two member states.

Fighting resumed months after a ceasefire reportedly brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump.

“Following the discussions today, the Philippines said that it is prepared to assume the role of facilitator or mediator between Cambodia and Thailand should both parties decide to make use of the good offices of the Chair once the Philippines assumes the Chairship in January 2026,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Thai and Cambodian officials said scores of people have been killed since fighting flared last week, displacing more than half a million on both sides of the border.

The renewed hostilities have drawn international concern. On Sunday, the U.S. Department of State urged both countries to end hostilities, withdraw heavy weapons, halt the emplacement of landmines and fully implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords.

In a separate statement, Lazaro said the Philippines supports “any agreement between the two Parties towards a peaceful and sustainable solution to the situation under the facilitation of the ASEAN Chair Malaysia.”

“I welcomed the openness and the sincerity of Cambodia and Thailand to dialogue and cessation of hostilities,” Lazaro added in a post on X.

Tensions worsened after the killing of a Cambodian soldier in a contested border area. Both countries have since recalled their ambassadors, effectively downgrading diplomatic ties.

The Philippines reiterated it does not take a position on the dispute but has consistently called on both parties to keep communication lines open and work toward de-escalation.