As Philippines takes Asean helm, Thailand-Cambodia dispute to be ‘significant challenge’

Manila’s task as Asean chair will be to preserve the momentum set by Malaysia amid a crowded 2026 agenda, analysts say

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Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (left) shakes hands with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr during a transfer of Asean chairmanship on October 28. The Philippines takes over as the bloc’s chair next year. Photo: AP

Published: 10:30am, 17 Nov 2025Updated: 5:12pm, 17 Nov 2025

The resurgence of hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia, just weeks after US President Donald Trump brokered a truce over a violent border row, threatens to complicate the Philippines’ turn as Asean chair.

Thailand last week announced it was suspending the peace deal with Cambodia, signed on October 26 at the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Kuala Lumpur.

Bangkok accused its neighbour of laying new mines after several Thai soldiers were injured while patrolling the border, including one who lost a foot.

Cambodia denied the charge, with Prime Minister Hun Manet accusing Thai soldiers of killing a Cambodian civilian.

Bangkok also said it would no longer return 18 Cambodian prisoners of war as previously agreed under the pact. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul later declared he “no longer cares” about Trump’s threat to impose astronomical tariffs – tariff cuts being one of Washington’s conditions for the ceasefire.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has said he “no longer cares” about US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose astronomical tariffs. Photo: AFP

However, a Thai government spokesman on Saturday said Bangkok would go ahead with talks to finalise a trade deal with the US, adding that those discussions would remain separate from the border dispute.

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As Philippines takes Asean helm, Thailand-Cambodia dispute to be ‘significant challenge’

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Manila’s task as Asean chair will be to preserve the momentum set by Malaysia amid a crowded 2026 agenda, analysts say

Manila’s task as Asean chair will be to preserve the momentum set by Malaysia amid a crowded 2026 agenda, analysts say