Thailand signals openness to Malaysia as mediator in Cambodia conflict

THAILAND has expressed conditional openness to Malaysia playing a mediating role in the ongoing deadly conflict with Cambodia, according to a spokesperson for the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday.

Both countries, long at odds over a disputed 800-kilometre stretch of borderland, are now engaged in their most severe military confrontation in over a decade, involving exchanges of artillery and ground assaults. The hostilities, which entered a second consecutive day on Friday, have killed at least 16 people—most of them Thai civilians—according to official reports.

The crisis has drawn international concern and will be tabled before the United Nations Security Council in a closed-door session. Major powers including the United States, China, and Malaysia—currently chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)—have urged a ceasefire and diplomatic resolution.

Nikorndej Balankura, spokesperson for Thailand’s foreign ministry, told AFP, "We are prepared, if Cambodia wants to resolve the issue through diplomatic channels—whether bilaterally or with Malaysia’s involvement—and we are ready to do so. But there has not yet been any response."

This comes despite earlier remarks made to Reuters, in which Nikorndej insisted that Thailand does not currently require third-party mediation. “I don’t think we need any mediation from a third country yet,” he said, underscoring Bangkok’s preference for bilateral mechanisms.

“We stand by our position that bilateral mechanism is the best way out—this is a confrontation between the two countries,” he added. “But our doors are still open.”

The renewed conflict began early Thursday at a contested border site and rapidly escalated from small arms fire to heavy shelling. Thailand blames the outbreak on alleged landmines laid by Cambodian forces, while Phnom Penh has rejected the accusation, describing Thailand’s actions as “unprovoked and premeditated military aggression”.

In response to the tensions, Thailand on Wednesday recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh and expelled Cambodia’s envoy.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, said on Thursday that he had contacted both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. He urged an immediate cessation of violence and encouraged a return to diplomatic engagement.

“I welcome the positive signals and willingness shown by both Bangkok and Phnom Penh to consider this path,” Anwar wrote on Facebook.

According to Nikorndej, Anwar’s outreach explored “whether we can de-escalate the situation… and whether there’s a possibility to hold talks.”

Cambodia has yet to respond formally, though Hun Manet has appealed to the United Nations Security Council, urging it to intervene following what he described as aggression by Thailand.

The possibility of ASEAN involvement remains on the table. “If the ASEAN family wants to facilitate a return to constructive bilateral negotiations, that’s welcome as well,” said Nikorndej.

As fighting continues for a second day, concerns are mounting that the violence may spiral further. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham warned that the conflict “could develop into a war” if not swiftly contained. - July 26, 2025