“Well, of course, for Thailand, we expect to conclude something with Cambodia. To address the current situation so that we can move on in our relationship. So that’s one expectation.

“I’m sure the situation in Myanmar will also be figured out prominently in the discussion because they’re going to have an election this year. Definitely, we’d like to see an election that is credible and leads to peace. So we’ll be discussing those issues,” he told Bernama upon his arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport today.

Sihasak, who was appointed to the position on Sept 19, highlighted the importance of strengthening Asean’s mechanisms and unity to face shared challenges.

“This summit is taking place against a backdrop of many crises in the world. So within Asean, we have to be prepared for the challenges that we face… So, I think we’d like to see how we can strengthen Asean, the mechanisms of Asean, the Asean way,” he said.

On July 28, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hosted a high-stakes meeting in Putrajaya between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, successfully defusing tensions along the two countries’ shared border.

The ceasefire, widely seen as a major Asean achievement, prevented a broader military escalation and ensured the safety of thousands of civilians.

Myanmar’s situation presents a more complex challenge. The country’s civil war involves some 20 ethnic armed groups, many of whom have been fighting for autonomy or independence since 1948.

With over 135 recognised ethnic groups and competing visions of governance, the path to peace is steep.

Malaysia, which holds the Asean Chairmanship this year under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, will host the 47th Asean Summit from Oct 26 to 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

This is the fifth time Malaysia has assumed the Asean Chair since the bloc’s inception in 1967, with previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.