ASEAN members urge Thailand–Cambodia dialogue amid border tensions
In response to escalating tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border, ASEAN members - Malaysia and Laos - on July 24 called for restraint and urged both sides to resolve the dispute peacefully through dialogue.
Residents evacuates from Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province amid border tensions with Thailand on July 24, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – In response to rising tensions along the Thailand-Cambodian border, two other ASEAN member states, Malaysia and Laos, on July 24 voiced deep concern and called on both sides to pursue peaceful resolution through dialogue.
As the current ASEAN Chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim appealed for calm between Thailand and Cambodia. Speaking to the media in Kuala Lumpur, he expressed his hope that the two nations would engage in negotiations, asserting that peace is the only solution at this time. He also confirmed having sent messages to both Cambodian PM Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai.
On the same day, a spokesperson for the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing serious concern over the escalating border tensions. Stressing Laos’s position as a neighbour with good relations with both countries, the spokesperson said that Laos urges both siꦛdes to exercise restraint and resolve emerging issues peacefully./.
A deputy spokesperson of the Thai Ministry of Public Health reported that, as of 21:00 on July 24, 14 people had been confirmed dead and 46 injured in military clashes near the Thailand–Cambodia border. Cambodia has yet to release any official figures on casualties.
The most important thing at this time is that the two sides exercise utmost restraint, refrain from the use of force, avoid further escalation, and manage their differences peacefully and satisfactorily in accordance with fundamental principles of international law.
Cambodia has simultaneously demanded that Thai diplomats leave Cambodia within a specified timeframe, and also recalled all its staff at the Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok.
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