Cambodia Presses ASEAN for Ceasefire, Status Quo Restoration in Border Conflict With Thailand

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 23, 2025) — Cambodia has pressed ASEAN to back an immediate ceasefire and a return to pre conflict conditions in its border dispute with Thailand, warning that unilateral measures will not resolve the crisis.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn outlined Cambodia’s position following the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Dec. 22, calling for urgent truce measures, withdrawal of forces to original positions, and a peaceful settlement under international law.

“Both parties must implement the ceasefire, because a one sided ceasefire is not workable,” Prak Sokhonn said. He added that displaced civilians must be allowed to return home and that the dispute should be resolved through treaties and conventions rather than continued fighting.

Cambodia also urged ASEAN to resume implementation of the Joint Declaration issued in October. Sokhonn said Cambodia’s stance was clearly understood and supported by regional counterparts, prompting ASEAN to convene an emergency meeting.

A Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee meeting was scheduled for Dec. 24 to pursue a ceasefire. Sokhonn noted the ASEAN Chair’s statement was political and not legally binding but stressed Cambodia’s determination.

“We will make every possible effort to resolve the Cambodia–Thailand conflict through diplomatic means to the very end,” he said. “Cambodia truly does not want fighting. This is our sole objective.”