ISTANBUL

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday called for “sustained diplomatic engagement” between Cambodia and Thailand amid deadly border clashes that have killed at least 15 people over the past three days.

Anwar said he spoke on Tuesday with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to “discuss the ongoing tensions along their shared border.”

He wrote on US social media company X that he appreciated “the openness and willingness of both leaders to continue negotiations aimed at easing tensions and preventing any misunderstandings that could further escalate the situation.”

Bangkok and Phnom Penh have claimed the other side initiated the latest clashes, which they say violated the peace deal signed in October in Kuala Lumpur in the presence of US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar.

Washington has expressed “concern” over the violence, and Trump is expected to speak with both leaders.

Anwar said: “While a definitive resolution has yet to be reached, sustained diplomatic engagement has ensured that no more serious incidents occurred during these critical hours.”

"Malaysia will continue to support peaceful dialogue, solutions grounded on international law, and strengthened regional cooperation to safeguard the stability and security of our shared region," he added.

The latest clashes since Monday have killed nine civilians in Cambodia and six
Thai soldiers as well as displaced over half a million people on two sides of border with Bangkok using F-16 jets to bomb across the border inside its southern neighbor.

Thai Army said late Wednesday: "Another Thai soldier has died, bringing the death toll to 6," according to Khaosod news outlet.

Bangkok has claimed Cambodian forces used heavy weapons, including rockets, to strike Thai territory. Cambodian authorities have not publicly confirmed casualty numbers from their forces.

Cambodia has recalled its athletes from the 33rd Southeast Asian Games 2025 in Thailand, citing safety concerns, and its authorities are “collecting evidence” for a possible case at the International Criminal Court in The Hague “in response to Thailand’s armed aggression against Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Cambodian outlet Fresh News reported.

Thai Defense Ministry spokesman Surasant Kongsiri told reporters that Bangkok “stands firmly for peace but peace must come with safety and security of our citizens.”

The two neighbors have a decades-long border dispute that has triggered intermittent clashes, including in July, when at least 48 people were killed. Around 18 Cambodian soldiers remain in Thai custody from incidents over the past five months.

The Cambodia–Thailand land border has remained closed since the July fighting, limiting cross-border movement and reducing bilateral travel.