Philippines Offers to Mediate Thailand-Cambodia Border Dispute Amid ASEAN Talks

The Philippines announced on Monday, December 22, its willingness to act as a mediator in the ongoing border dispute between its neighboring countries, Thailand and Cambodia. This declaration came after Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro participated in a special ASEAN meeting held in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia, serving as the outgoing chair of ASEAN, convened the meeting to allow foreign ministers within the regional bloc to discuss the escalating tensions and explore possible interventions to promote de-escalation and halt hostilities. The host emphasized that "the convening of the Special Meeting reflects the commitment of ASEAN Member States to ASEAN unity and solidarity, as well as ASEAN Centrality in maintaining peace, security, stability and prosperity in this region, in accordance with the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC)."

Following the discussions, Secretary Lazaro reaffirmed Manila's readiness to facilitate dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand once the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chair in January 2026. The Department of Foreign Affairs stated, "The Philippines is prepared to assume the role of facilitator/mediator between Cambodia and Thailand should both parties decide to make use of the good offices of the Chair."

Lazaro also voiced support for any bilateral agreements aimed at achieving a peaceful and lasting resolution, saying on social media, "I also expressed the Philippines' support for any agreement between the two Parties towards a peaceful and sustainable solution to the situation under the facilitation of the ASEAN Chair Malaysia."