Anwar described the situation as “concerning”, noting that both nations are key members of the 10-member Asean bloc and close partners of Malaysia.

“This is something that is worrying. We have sent messages to both prime ministers, and I hope this evening or tonight, I will be able to speak to them,” he told reporters after attending the Asean Semiconductor Summit 2025 here today.

“I had initial discussions last month with both prime ministers. We have sent messages to them and I look forward to talking to them later.”

Malaysia is the current chair of Asean, the Southeast Asian bloc that includes Thailand and Cambodia as members.

Anwar expressed hope that the two sides would avoid further escalation.

“The least we can expect is for them to stand down or, hopefully, try to negotiate. They have made some attempts, but I think peace is the only option available.”

Asked if the clashes could affect Asean’s trade and economic prospects, he said it was too early to make an assessment but remained optimistic.

“Both have their countries’ interests at heart. Both want to have a peaceful resolution, an amicable resolution to the conflict and both want to keep Asean engaged,” he said.

A long-running territorial row in an area known as the Emerald Triangle, where the borders of both countries and Laos meet, reignited in May when a clash left one Cambodian soldier dead.

Since then, both sides have traded barbs and tit-for-tat retaliatory measures, with Thailand restricting border crossings and Cambodia halting certain imports.

On Wednesday, Thailand expelled Cambodia’s ambassador and recalled its own envoy after a Thai soldier lost a leg in a landmine explosion.

Cambodia reciprocated today by lowering diplomatic ties with Bangkok to the lowest level.