By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
On the heels of a long-running border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, which escalated into combat last week, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed concern over the ongoing conflict between these neighboring countries which were also the Philippines’ fellow member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
In a statement released on Saturday, President Marcos called for the peaceful resolution of the dispute through dialogue and adherence to international law, echoing earlier remarks from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who condemned the loss of lives and damages inflicted by the armed clashes.
“The Philippines views with concern the ongoing conflict between our two fellow ASEAN member states and urges them to resolve the dispute in accordance with international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” President Marcos said.
“The Philippines stands ready to assist in any way to restore peace.”
The Chief Executive’s call for constructive dialogue between the warring parties coincided with Thailand declaring its intention to “agree in principle” to a ceasefire with Cambodia, after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Cambodian leader Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Saturday.
With the conflict already yielding 30 casualties and displacing more than 150,000 individuals since the fighting began on July 24, President Marcos underscored the country’s commitment to working in harmony with Bangkok and Hanoi to settle their differences and look for solutions to achieve long-lasting peace and order.
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