Philippines Facilitates Cambodia-Thailand Dialogue at Asean Summit
The Philippines' hosting of the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Cebu has paved the way for renewed peace efforts between Cambodia and Thailand. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. facilitated dialogue between the two countries amid tensions over their border dispute.
Marcos met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in a closed-door meeting on Thursday, May 7, 2026, before the three leaders faced the media in a joint press conference. The President said the Philippines initiated the dialogue as part of its role as the Asean 2026 chair and in line with the regional bloc's commitment to peaceful settlement of disputes.
"This meeting was arranged by the Philippines as a way to provide its good offices in our capacity as chair of Asean for 2026 to Cambodia and Thailand in order to provide a meaningful space for constructive dialogue on their bilateral border issues," Marcos said. He added that the discussions reflected the strength of Asean relations anchored on mutual respect, trust, solidarity, and understanding.
Marcos noted that both sides demonstrated willingness to resolve differences peacefully. "The Philippines approached this dialogue with utmost respect for both countries, guided by Asean's fundamental principles of respect for sovereignty, non-interference, and the peaceful settlement of disputes," he said.
According to Marcos, the leaders tackled several issues surrounding the border situation during the closed-door talks, including measures aimed at preventing further escalation. Some agreements were reached, and both countries committed to sustaining open dialogue through their respective foreign ministers. The Philippines will continue extending its good offices to both countries as discussions move forward.
Manet praised the Philippines for helping facilitate the dialogue, describing Marcos' leadership as important in promoting peace and unity in the region. "The Philippines' constructive leadership in promoting regional peace, stability, and unity is commendable," Manet said. He added that Cambodia and Thailand shared a collective resolve to pursue lasting peace through discussions, de-escalation, and trust-building measures aimed at normalizing relations.
Charnvirakul thanked Marcos for organizing the meeting under the Philippines' Asean chairmanship. "My sincere appreciation to President Bongbong Marcos for his capacity as Asean chair for his initiative in organizing this important meeting," Charnvirakul said. He described his talks with the Cambodian prime minister as candid, saying both sides reaffirmed their commitment to work toward peace through dialogue.
"Thailand and Cambodia are two neighboring countries. It is best we avoid conflict. It only brings losses and suffering," Charnvirakul said. "Now is the time for us to look forward and walk this path together towards peace. This requires sincerity, good faith, and determination."
Both countries also agreed to assign their foreign ministers to work closely on practical confidence-building measures, which they said would help strengthen bilateral relations and maintain stability in the region.
