Philippines Bridges Dialogue Between Thailand and Cambodia on the Sidelines of ASEAN Summit

For a moment, in the hall of the 48th ASEAN Summit, the tension of the border conflict between two neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia thawed as two leaders shook hands. Amidst a flurry of camera flashes and the gazes of ASEAN member state leaders, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stood between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who shook hands after holding a trilateral meeting to ease tensions arising from the border conflict. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit events on Thursday, marks the strongest diplomatic intervention by the Philippines, which is serving as ASEAN Chair this year. “This meeting was designed by the Philippines as a gesture of goodwill in its capacity as ASEAN Chair for 2026,” President Marcos said at a press conference following the trilateral meeting. Marcos explained that the discussions in the meeting reflect ASEAN’s commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful conflict resolution amid regional tensions. The conflict has resulted in nearly 150 deaths, with tens of thousands forced to flee during the two outbreaks of fighting. Although a ceasefire was agreed upon at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur last year, tensions resurfaced a few weeks later. A second ceasefire was then implemented. In the Philippines-mediated meeting between Cambodia and Thailand on Thursday, Marcos said Manet and Charnvirakul agreed on the importance of maintaining communication, exercising restraint, and avoiding actions that could escalate tensions. “I am confident this can be achieved due to the very clear and strong conviction of both leaders that now is the time for peace, not war,” Marcos stated. It was also agreed in the meeting that the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) would have its mandate extended for the next three months until July 2026. Marcos affirmed that the Philippines remains committed to facilitating dialogue between the two parties, in line with ASEAN’s efforts to maintain peace and unity in the region. “Thailand and Cambodia are two neighbouring countries. It is better for us to avoid conflicts that will only bring losses and suffering. Now is the time for us to move forward and walk together on the path to peace, which requires sincerity, good faith, and strong determination,” said Charnvirakul. Meanwhile, Manet expressed appreciation for the Philippines’ constructive leadership in promoting peace, stability, and unity in Southeast Asia.