PM heads to ASEAN Summit, possible Cambodia-Thailand talks

File photo of Prime Minister Hun Manet and First Lady Pich Chanmonny departing for an overseas trip.​​ PMO

#National

Synopsis: Hun Manet travels to Cebu where a trilateral meeting with Thailand and the Philippines could take place to address territorial tensions alongside broader regional cooperation.

Prime Minister Hun Manet is expected to attend a tripartite meeting with Thailand and the Philippines on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Cebu.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) announced in a statement yesterday that Mr Hun Manet is leading a delegation to the 48th ASEAN Summit tomorrow and Friday, at the invitation of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the ASEAN Chair.

He is accompanied by First Lady Pich Chanmony and Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Prak Sokhonn, along with other senior government officials. Representatives of the business community from the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce and the Cambodian Oknha Association will also join the Prime Minister during the mission.

Held under the theme “Towards a Shared Future”, the summit will provide a platform for ASEAN leaders to discuss key issues related to ASEAN Community building and the way forward, focusing on ensuring regional energy security and resilience, food security stability, and the safety and protection of ASEAN citizens.

The ASEAN leaders will also exchange views on regional and international issues with the aim of promoting a future that is peaceful, prosperous, inclusive, and resilient.

“On the occasion of the summit, the Prime Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with ASEAN leaders to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and shared interests,” MOFAIC said.

Meanwhile, Thailand has proposed a tripartite meeting with Cambodia and the Philippines aimed at “trust building” before proceeding with bilateral General Border Committee (GBC) discussions.

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said on Monday that Thailand was awaiting Cambodia’s response to the proposed trilateral talks. Sihasak said the Philippines, as host, was coordinating the arrangement. He added that Cambodia was expected to accept the proposal.

“Thailand has already prepared both the substance and details of the talks, although the meeting will be preliminary and is not expected to involve complex details at this stage,” he added.

ASEAN acts as a facilitator and monitor in the Cambodia–Thailand border dispute, primarily through diplomatic shuttle missions and the deployment of an observer team. While it provides the platform for peace talks, its role is strictly non-coercive, limited by the “ASEAN Way” principle of non-interference in member states’ internal and bilateral affairs.

Last year, Malaysia, as the ASEAN Chair, was instrumental in brokering a ceasefire after the deadly July 2025 clashes.

The ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), a neutral monitoring body led by the Philippines, is tasked with verifying ceasefire compliance and monitoring troop movements or weapon deployments at the flashpoint near Preah Vihear.

Kin Phea, Director-General of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, said the Philippines, as the ASEAN Chair, must continue upholding the ASEAN principle of peace and work towards reducing Cambodia-Thailand tensions.

“It is not a good sign for ASEAN that two of its members are having prolonged conflicts,” he said. “The Philippines—in addition to diplomatic endeavour—also needs to ensure the effectiveness and transparency of the AOT to pave the way for more talks between the two neighbours.”

Youk Chhang, Director of the Documentation Centre of Cambodia, said there is a need to examine the circumstances that led to last year’s hostilities.

“Even if one considers the perspectives of both countries, it is not difficult to arrive at the conclusion that the conflict was not precipitated by poor communication, misunderstanding, or an accident between military forces,” he said, noting international dialogue should be encouraged.

-Khmer Times-