Marcos plays peacemaker for Thailand, Cambodia at ASEAN 2026

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu, May 8 ------ For a brief moment inside the summit halls of Cebu, the tension of a deadly border conflict gave way to a carefully watched handshake. With cameras flashing and regional leaders watching closely, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stood between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul as the two leaders shook hands following a trilateral meeting aimed at easing tensions over their long-running border dispute.

The meeting, held Thursday on the sidelines of the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit here, marked one of the most visible diplomatic interventions yet under the Philippines’ ASEAN chairship. “This meeting was arranged by the Philippines as a way to provide its good offices in our capacity as Chair of ASEAN for 2026,” Marcos said during a joint press conference after the talks.

The President said the discussions demonstrated ASEAN’s commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful dispute resolution amid regional tensions. The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia intensified in mid-2025 over disputed border areas surrounding ancient Khmer temple sites, escalating into clashes involving heavy weapons and airstrikes.

Nearly 150 people were reportedly killed, while hundreds of thousands were displaced during two major rounds of fighting. Although a ceasefire was brokered during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur last year, tensions resurfaced weeks later before another fragile truce was reached.

During Thursday’s meeting, Marcos said both leaders reaffirmed the importance of maintaining open communication, exercising restraint, and avoiding actions that could escalate tensions. “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.

The two leaders agreed to direct their foreign ministers to sustain dialogue and explore measures aimed at preventing renewed conflict and preserving regional stability. The meeting also affirmed the continuing role of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), whose mandate was extended for another three months until July.

Marcos said the Philippines remains committed to facilitating dialogue between both sides as ASEAN works to preserve peace and unity in the region. Anutin and Hun Manet both expressed gratitude to the Philippines for leading the talks. “Thailand and Cambodia are two neighboring countries. It is best that we avoid conflict — it only brings losses and suffering,” Anutin said. “Now is the time for us to look forward and walk this path together toward peace. This requires sincerity, good faith, and determination,” he added.

Hun Manet, for his part, said “the Philippines’ constructive leadership in promoting regional peace, stability, and unity is commendable.”

Source: pna.gov.ph