Kuala lumpur: The Philippines has announced its readiness to mediate between Cambodia and Thailand if both nations seek assistance from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) when Manila assumes the bloc's chairship next year. "Following the discussions today, the Philippines said that it 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 once the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairship in January 2026," stated the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

According to Philippines News Agency, the DFA released this statement after the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where the ongoing border situation between Cambodia and Thailand was a key topic of discussion. The dispute traces back to longstanding territorial claims linked to colonial-era demarcations, including contentious areas near heritage sites such as the Preah Vihear Temple.

Despite a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling that affirmed Cambodia's ownership of the temple, unresolved boundary issues and historical tensions have led to intermittent clashes. The conflict escalated in 2025, following a skirmish in late May and allegations of landmine deployment.

A ceasefire brokered through ASEAN in July fell apart, leading to renewed fighting that resulted in casualties, civilian displacement, and the closure of major border crossings. The ASEAN meeting in Malaysia emphasized the bloc's call for restraint and urged both countries to resume dialogue to alleviate civilian suffering and restore regional stability.