ASEAN Secretary-General Urges Cambodia and Thailand to Increase Efforts to Resolve Border Issues

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn has urged Cambodia and Thailand to further strengthen their diplomatic efforts to resolve their ongoing border disputes. He pointed out that although a ceasefire has been achieved since the armed conflict between the two countries in 2025, the core issues remain unresolved, forcing residents along the border to evacuate. Speaking at the 10th ASEAN Media Forum in Manila, Philippines, Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn stated that strengthening dialogue and diplomacy is essential for achieving lasting peace and stability between the two neighboring countries. He said, "The events of 2025 have severely impacted the people of both countries along the border, and many have been forced to evacuate. At the same time, the core issues continue to arise despite the ceasefire. As ASEAN Secretary-General, I hope that both countries will continue to uphold the spirit of ASEAN solidarity and unity, as well as the spirit of good neighborliness." The 2025 armed conflict was triggered by Thailand initiating attacks against Cambodia, despite a ceasefire brokered by the United States. The second ceasefire agreement was reached on December 27, 2025, with Thailand agreeing with Cambodia to establish dialogue and hold meetings of the Joint Border Committee. However, Thailand has subsequently refused to participate in Joint Border Committee meetings repeatedly. Furthermore, after Thailand abrogated the 2001 MOU, Cambodia is considering the application of a coercive reconciliation mechanism under international law. However, the Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that Thailand has no intention of negotiating land border issues with Cambodia. In response, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet clarified in an interview with Bloomberg on July 24, 2025, that these two matters are separate and that the coercive reconciliation mechanism is being applied because Thailand has closed the door on bilateral negotiations itself.