By Brian Campued
Cambodia and Thailand have both reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining open and direct communication as they navigate overlapping maritime and land border disputes.
This, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led a trilateral meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in Cebu on the sidelines of the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings Thursday.
“This meeting was arranged by the Philippines as a way to provide its good offices in our capacity as Chair of ASEAN for 2026 to Cambodia and Thailand in order to provide a meaningful space for constructive dialogue on their bilateral border issues,” Marcos said in a speech following the closed-door meeting.
“Together, the three of us have reaffirmed that peace and stability are indispensable for ASEAN’s continued growth, prosperity, and the well-being of our people, and that preserving this stability requires constant effort from all ASEAN Member States.”
Stressing the importance of exercising restraint and avoiding actions that could escalate tensions, President Marcos Jr. hailed Cambodia and Thailand’s commitment to peace and constructive dialogue on the border situation.
He said that both prime ministers have agreed to direct their foreign ministers to sustain “open and candid” dialogue and explore measures aimed at upholding peace and regional stability.
The leaders also recognized the important role of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), whose mandate was extended for another three months until July 2026 with the Philippines serving as coordinator.
The AOT will ensure the implementation of ceasefire and all agreed measures aimed at de-escalation and renormalizing relations between the two neighboring countries.
The Cambodian and Thai leaders also discussed the future paths in dealing with the overlapping maritime claims.
“I believe this was possible because of a very clear, fervent belief by both leaders that it is time for peace and no longer the time for war,” Marcos said.
President Marcos Jr. likewise assured that the Philippines remains committed to facilitating dialogue between both parties, in line with the spirit of ASEAN solidarity and unity.
Meanwhile, both Prime Minister Hun and Anutin expressed their appreciation to Marcos for leading the talks, with the former calling the Philippines’ constructive leadership in promoting regional peace, stability, and unity “commendable.”
Hun likewise underscored the importance of people-to-people exchanges to rebuild trust and to promote mutual understanding between the two countries, as well as the resumption of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) survey and demarcation work.
He said that these efforts would ensure that “sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international boundary are respected” in accordance with international law and existing treaties and agreements.
Anutin, for his part, emphasized the importance of “sincerity, good faith, and determination” as both parties work together for peaceful settlement of disputes.
“Thailand and Cambodia are two neighboring countries. It is best that we avoid conflict—it only brings losses and suffering,” he said.
“I’m confident that with resolve, determination, and sincerity on both sides, we can advance the pursuit of peace for our two countries and for the region as a whole.”
-jpv
