Anwar Rejects Meddling Claims in Thailand-Cambodia Border Dispute

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has firmly denied allegations of interference in the ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. Speaking at a press conference on November 22, 2023, during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Anwar emphasized Malaysia’s commitment to remaining neutral while facilitating dialogue between the two nations.

“Let me clear the air. Firstly, as neighbours, we are of course concerned about the dispute, but we are not involved,” he stated. Anwar clarified that Malaysia’s role has been to assist both countries in reaching a resolution without dictating terms. He reiterated, “We just facilitated—to help them achieve a settlement or resolution to their conflict.”

Anwar’s remarks come in response to protests that occurred outside the Malaysian embassy in Bangkok over the weekend. Demonstrators accused him of overstepping his previous role as chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), claiming he had interfered in Thailand’s sovereignty. Protesters displayed Thai flags and chanted slogans before marching towards the US Embassy in Pathum Wan, leading to heightened security presence from the Royal Thai Police.

The border dispute, which has plagued Thailand and Cambodia for over a century, centers around unresolved territorial claims along their 817-kilometre border, initially demarcated in 1907 during French colonial rule in Cambodia. Tensions escalated into violent clashes in July, resulting in at least 48 fatalities and displacing approximately 300,000 people. The violence was exacerbated by landmine explosions, with reports indicating that at least seven Thai soldiers sustained serious injuries from mine-related incidents since mid-July.

In a bid to de-escalate the situation, both nations agreed to a ceasefire in late July, following interventions from former United States President Donald Trump, Chinese diplomats, and Anwar. A peace agreement, known as the KL Peace Accord, was subsequently signed during the 47th ASEAN Summit in October, with Anwar and Trump both acting as witnesses. Despite these efforts, border tensions have reignited, prompting Malaysia to offer to host new peace talks.

On November 14, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan confirmed that both Thailand and Cambodia had reached out to request discussions in Kuala Lumpur. Anwar indicated that the topic of these talks is likely to arise during Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul‘s visit to Malaysia on November 26.

“I don’t know about the internal politics or domestic politics there to suggest that we interfered,” Anwar remarked. “Our friends in Thailand must not misunderstand this. Our interest is just to help them achieve peace.” He reaffirmed Malaysia’s dedication to maintaining its initial stance regarding the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border, asserting the importance of dialogue to facilitate lasting peace.