Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul committed to resolving their border dispute peacefully during a meeting in Cebu [1], [2].

The agreement is critical to preventing a resurgence of deadly border clashes that occurred in 2025 [2], [4]. These tensions have threatened regional stability and left a fragile cease-fire between the two neighbors [4].

The leaders met May 7, 2026 [3], on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit [1], [2]. The summit took place from May 6 to May 8, 2026 [2]. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. joined the meeting to facilitate the dialogue [1], [2].

During the talks, the three leaders reaffirmed their commitment to resolve the dispute through continued dialogue [1], [2]. They agreed to pursue confidence-building measures to stabilize the border region [3].

This diplomatic effort follows a volatile period in 2025 [2]. Specifically, the two nations experienced deadly clashes in July and December 2025 [5]. The goal of the current agreement is to ensure these violent encounters do not return.

President Marcos Jr. said the meeting was important as part of the broader ASEAN goal of maintaining peace within the region [1], [2]. The commitment to peaceful resolution marks a rare direct engagement between the leadership of the two nations to address the specific conflict [1].

“The three leaders reaffirmed their commitment to resolve the Cambodia‑Thailand border dispute peacefully.”

The meeting signals a shift toward diplomatic stabilization after a year of lethal military friction. By leveraging the 48th ASEAN Summit and the mediation of the Philippines, Cambodia and Thailand are attempting to institutionalize a peace process that prevents localized border skirmishes from escalating into full-scale bilateral conflict.