Cambodian premier seeks ‘immediate intervention’ of ASEAN over rising tension with Thailand

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Thursday requested the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chair Malaysia's "immediate intervention" in the increasing tensions at the Cambodian-Thai border.

"As the situation continues to develop alarmingly today, I have requested His Excellency Anwar Ibrahim to intervene immediately to de-escalate tensions between the Thai armed forces and Cambodian civilians by maintaining the status quo," Hun Manet said on US social media company X after a phone call with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also said Thursday that currently the Thai army holds the authorization on decision-making on the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, according to the broadcaster Thai PBS.

Cambodia on Wednesday reported that 24 of its citizens were injured during a clash with Thai soldiers trying to install barbed wire fencing along the border. Thailand had also confirmed that some Thai officials were injured during the incident.

A ceasefire between the Southeast Asian neighbors was reached on July 28 after they saw a border dispute escalate into armed conflict, leaving dozens dead and injured.

Both sides endorsed a 13-point agreement on Aug. 7, which included allowing ASEAN observers to monitor the ceasefire along the contested border.