Post by : Rameen Ariff

Malaysia has offered to host fresh peace talks to address escalating border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, signaling its readiness to act as a neutral facilitator for regional stability. The proposal, announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan on Thursday, comes amid renewed clashes along the disputed border.

Prime Minister Anwar confirmed he had spoken to Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, noting that both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful resolution. “Both leaders … reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing a peaceful resolution, in line with the understandings agreed under the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord,” Anwar said, referencing last month’s agreement witnessed by international observers.

The Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord was designed to secure a lasting ceasefire following violent clashes in July that claimed at least 48 lives and temporarily displaced more than 300,000 civilians. The agreement outlines measures including the removal of heavy weapons from the border, refraining from hostile rhetoric, and humanitarian demining efforts in contested areas.

Despite these agreements, tensions have flared again this week. Thailand reported suspending parts of the peace pact after a landmine blast injured two soldiers, while Cambodia evacuated hundreds from a border village following cross-border shootings that resulted in at least one civilian death. Both nations blame each other for initiating the latest clashes.

Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said talks between Thailand and Cambodia are “expected to be held soon,” possibly in Kuala Lumpur, as both countries have expressed willingness to engage under Malaysia’s facilitation. He added that Cambodia requested the meeting to be hosted in Kuala Lumpur, and Thailand agreed to continue efforts to preserve the ceasefire.

While Thailand’s leadership has emphasized prioritizing national interests over external pressures, including potential U.S. trade retaliation, both governments appear committed to diplomatic engagement under ASEAN frameworks. The renewed peace talks aim to de-escalate tensions and reinforce mechanisms established in the October joint declaration.

Malaysia, which currently chairs ASEAN, has consistently played a mediating role in regional disputes, and this latest offer underscores its ongoing commitment to peace and stability in Southeast Asia. Observers note that flexible diplomacy, strong regional partnerships, and continued dialogue remain essential to preventing further violence along the century-old disputed border.

As preparations for the next round of talks proceed, the international community watches closely, hoping that renewed diplomacy can avert another cycle of violence and reinforce ASEAN’s role in maintaining peace in the region.

#world news #Global News #Asia News