Malaysia Calls for Restraint Amid Cambodia‑Thailand Border Clashes

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec. 8, 2025) — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday urged Cambodia and Thailand to exercise restraint after reports of renewed armed clashes along their shared border.

In a statement, Anwar offered condolences to families of those killed or injured and warned that the fighting could undermine efforts to stabilize relations between the two neighbors.

“Thailand and Cambodia are close partners of Malaysia and key members of ASEAN. We urge both sides to exercise maximum restraint, maintain open channels of communication, and make full use of the mechanisms in place,” he said.

Anwar added that Malaysia was ready to support measures to restore calm and prevent further incidents. “Our region cannot afford to see long‑standing disputes slip into cycles of confrontation.

The immediate priority is to halt the fighting, safeguard civilians, and return to a diplomatic path supported by international law and the neighborly spirit on which ASEAN depends,” he said.

In Phnom Penh, Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen called on front‑line forces to show restraint but warned Thailand not to cross what he described as Cambodia’s “red line.”

He accused Thai troops of using “all kinds of weapons” against Cambodian positions since Sunday afternoon in an effort to provoke a response that could undermine the cease‑fire agreement and the Cambodia‑Thailand peace statement.

“The red line that must not be crossed has already been determined. Commanders at all levels should ensure that all military officers and soldiers are fully aware of it,” Samdech TechoHun Sen said.

Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, spokeswoman for the Ministry of National Defence, said Cambodian forces did not return fire during either incident, citing commitments to bilateral agreements and peaceful dispute resolution under international law.

Officials said the government had notified the ASEAN Observer Team for the second time and would request an independent investigation.

The ministry condemned what it called “inhumane and brutal acts” by Thailand, saying the alleged attacks violated a Joint Declaration signed Oct. 26, 2025, by both prime ministers in the presence of U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Anwar, then serving as ASEAN chair.

Cambodia urged the international community to condemn Thailand’s “violations” and pressed Bangkok to halt actions that “threaten peace and stability.” It reaffirmed its commitment to the cease‑fire agreement, the joint declaration and obligations under international law.