As the second round of fighting between Cambodia and Thailand intensifies, governments across the region and beyond are calling for an immediate end to the violence. Many warn that continued clashes risk pulling Southeast Asia into a deeper crisis.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who helped broker the first Cambodia-Thailand peace declaration, urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint and return to established diplomatic channels. He said Malaysia stands ready to support any step that can calm the situation and prevent the conflict from spreading, noting that renewed hostilities threaten years of work to strengthen relations between the two neighbours.
Anwar Ibrahim stressed that ASEAN cannot allow a prolonged conflict that could destabilise the entire region. He was the first leader to publicly call for a halt to border attacks, describing the renewed fighting as a serious breach of the ceasefire arrangement previously coordinated with the United States.
Japan became the second major government to voice concern. Its embassy said Tokyo will continue working with key partners, including the United States, Malaysia as ASEAN chair, and other countries involved, to reduce tensions and push for a peaceful solution.
At the United Nations, Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was deeply troubled by reports of armed clashes. In a statement, the UN urged both sides to show restraint, avoid any actions that could worsen the situation, and use existing dialogue mechanisms to pursue a durable and peaceful settlement.
The European Union also expressed concern. Spokesperson Anitta Hipper said the EU is closely monitoring developments and encouraged both governments to return to the joint declaration signed on October 26. She said the EU stands ready to support any agreed steps to de-escalate tensions, including humanitarian mine clearance along the border.
United States President Donald Trump joined the calls, urging Cambodia and Thailand to reaffirm their commitments under the Kuala Lumpur declaration. A senior US official told Reuters that Washington remains committed to stopping the violence and hopes both governments honour their pledges to end the conflict.
Germany also appealed for restraint. Frank Hartmann, director general for Asia Pacific at the German Foreign Ministry, said Berlin is seriously concerned by the escalation and called the deaths, injuries, and destruction deeply tragic. He urged both sides to prioritise civilian safety and pursue diplomatic solutions.
Australia and France released similar statements, urging maximum restraint and immediate steps to restore stability. Both said lasting peace can only be achieved through continued dialogue, adherence to international law, and commitments already made with ASEAN partners.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing, as a close neighbour to both countries, hopes Cambodia and Thailand will maintain restraint and prevent the conflict from worsening. He said China will continue to play a constructive role in easing tensions and supporting long-term peace.
As of the morning of December 9, Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense reported that Thai attacks had expanded from Preah Vihear province to Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, and Pursat. Nearly forty thousand Cambodian civilians have fled their homes, and more than three hundred schools have been closed. Authorities say seven civilians have been killed and more than twenty injured.
