Kuala lumpur: Watch out! ASEAN meeting to finalize Thai-Cambodian war deal considers major powers to observe troop withdrawal. Associate Professor Dr. Panithan Wattanayagorn, an expert in security and foreign affairs, was interviewed on the “News Direction” program on MCOT NEWS FM 100.5 regarding the upcoming Special ASEAN Summit to resolve the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, scheduled for December 22, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia have already confirmed their participation. This meeting is being closely watched for its potential to present deeper information than the initial negotiations and may lead to a limited or compromise agreement to clarify details regarding troop withdrawal and the establishment of a definitive ceasefire zone. Previously, unclear communication led to various problems, and this meeting aims to prevent similar misunderstandings from recurring.
According to Thai News Agency, the main focus of the discussions will be on the ceasefire process, which requires time to deploy observers and monitoring equipment. Reports indicate that several major powers are prepared to support the initiative with satellite technology and surveillance equipment to monitor the troop withdrawal. If a clear resolution regarding the establishment of a safe zone cannot be reached, both sides may have to return to negotiating the remaining border demarcation, which is approximately one-third of the total. Currently, Thailand maintains a strategic advantage, particularly around key temples, where it can control the situation on the ground.
The outcome of these negotiations is being assessed in three ways. The best-case scenario is an agreement to establish a safe zone, a demilitarized zone, and a humanitarian zone, as well as joint control of areas used by scammer gangs and illegal activities that fuel their trade. The worst-case scenario is a failure to reach an agreement and a return to fighting. However, the current trend shows a decrease in clashes due to Cambodia indirectly signaling its desire to negotiate a de-escalation of the conflict. As for the issue of differing versions of the national map, if it can be brought to the negotiating table quickly, with Thailand having an advantage, it would expedite the clarification of the MOU and the demarcation of the border based on actual occupation, which has been stalled for over 20-30 years.
Furthermore, the meeting will discuss the role of third countries, emphasizing ASEAN’s need to maintain neutrality and avoid interference from external powers. Indonesia has indicated its willingness to support ASEAN’s central role in this matter. While the situation on the ground has seen a de-escalation of confrontation and the gradual removal of deceased individuals from the area, security forces remain heavily deployed to prevent Cambodia from reinforcing its ranks. Both leaders need to urgently build an image of cooperation to alleviate public anxiety and create a border security system that relies more on diplomacy and trade than on personal trust.