Peace Must Prevail: Anwar Ibrahim Calls for Calm Amid Rising Tensions Between Thailand and Cambodia

As the smoke of conflict rises once again along the border of Thailand and Cambodia, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is making a heartfelt plea — urging both nations to stand down and seek peace. With civilian lives already lost and the situation rapidly escalating, Anwar’s message is both timely and critical.

Speaking after the ASEAN Semiconductor Summit 2025 in Petaling Jaya, the Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the growing violence. “This is a very worrying matter,” he told reporters. “I’ve sent messages to both prime ministers and I expect to speak with them tonight. The least we can expect is for them to stand down. Peace is the only option.”

Anwar, who currently chairs ASEAN, emphasized the importance of unity and dialogue among member nations. “Thailand and Cambodia are not just neighbours — they are our brothers in ASEAN and close partners to Malaysia. This conflict cannot be allowed to spiral further.”

While not ruling out the possibility of ASEAN brokering peace, Anwar made it clear that the immediate goal is to maintain open lines of communication. “Right now, we are focused on conveying ASEAN’s views and encouraging dialogue. Both countries have expressed a desire for a peaceful resolution. That is a good sign.”

Tragically, at least nine civilians have already died in recent clashes that began on July 24. Border towns have turned into battlegrounds, with exchanges of gunfire, airstrikes, and reports of bombs dropped near the historical Preah Vihear temple. Civilians in Thailand’s Si Sa Ket province bore the brunt, with six lives lost at a gas station. Dozens more have been injured.

Diplomatic ties are fraying. On Wednesday, Cambodia expelled the Thai ambassador and recalled its diplomats. Thailand responded in kind, following a landmine explosion that wounded five Thai soldiers.

The situation has become deeply personal for both countries. Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet stressed that while his nation seeks peace, it “has no choice but to respond to armed aggression.” In Thailand, political turmoil is brewing, with their Prime Minister suspended amid scrutiny over handling of the border tensions.

This isn’t the first time old wounds have reopened. The ancient Preah Vihear temple, at the heart of many past confrontations, remains a flashpoint. Despite an International Court of Justice ruling in 1962 and its reaffirmation in 2013, the area continues to spark conflict.

Still, amidst all the uncertainty, Anwar’s message remains clear: lay down arms, embrace peace, and return to dialogue.

Because when nations talk, people live.