LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — President Marcos said Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to sustain open dialogue and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions following a trilateral meeting convened by the Philippines on the sidelines of the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit here.

Marcos, who hosted Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, said the Philippines arranged the meeting in its capacity as ASEAN chair to provide “a meaningful space for constructive dialogue” on the two countries’ border issues.

“The Philippines arranged this meeting as a way to provide its good offices in our capacity as Chair of ASEAN for 2026 to Cambodia and Thailand to provide a meaningful space for constructive dialogue on their bilateral border issues,” Marcos said in a joint press conference after the talks on Thursday evening, May 7.

President Marcos said both leaders reaffirmed the importance of restraint, communication, and peaceful engagement.

“They have both reaffirmed the importance of maintaining open communication, exercising restraint, avoiding actions that may escalate tensions, and continuing efforts towards peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement,” he said.

“I believe this was possible because of a very clear, fervent belief by both leaders that it is time for peace and no longer the time for war,” he added.

Both Hun Manet and Anutin, in turn, thanked the Philippines and praised Marcos for facilitating the talks between Cambodia and Thailand.

“The Philippines’ constructive leadership in promoting regional peace, stability, and unity is commendable,” Prime Minister Hun Manet said.

“Cambodia stands ready to move forward constructively, swiftly, and in good faith,” he added.

For his part, Anutin said it is in the best interest of Thailand and Cambodia to resolve the issue to avoid further losses.

“Thailand and Cambodia are two neighboring countries. It is best that we avoid conflict  — it only brings losses and suffering,” he said.

“Now is the time for us to look forward and walk this path together toward peace. This requires sincerity, good faith, and determination,” he added.

The trilateral meeting came amid renewed tensions between Thailand and Cambodia over contested border territories near the Preah Vihear temple complex and overlapping maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand.

The latest escalation began last year following deadly clashes in disputed border areas, prompting troop buildups and heightened diplomatic tensions between the two ASEAN member-states.

During their joint press statement, both Prime Minister Hun Manet and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said they agreed to direct their foreign ministers to sustain the “open and candid dialogue” and to discuss more directly and in detail constructive approaches to prevent escalation, foster the conditions for peace and stability, and to safeguard the well-being of their peoples.

President Marcos also announced the extension of the mandate of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) for another three months until July this year.

The observer team, composed of representatives from ASEAN member states, is tasked with monitoring and verifying the implementation of agreements between Thailand and Cambodia.

“The Philippines underscores its commitment to fulfill its obligation as coordinator of the AOT,” Marcos said.

The President stressed that the dialogue demonstrated ASEAN’s commitment to mutual respect, trust, solidarity, and peaceful dispute resolution.

“The Philippines approached this dialogue with utmost respect for both countries, guided by ASEAN’s fundamental principles of respect for sovereignty, non-interference, and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” Marcos said.

He also expressed confidence that Thailand and Cambodia would eventually resolve their differences peacefully.

“We express our confidence in the ability of both Cambodia and Thailand to resolve the matter amicably and to manage their border differences peacefully in the spirit of ASEAN solidarity and unity,” he said.

Marcos said the Philippines remains ready to continue facilitating dialogue between the two countries as ASEAN chair.

“The Philippines commits to continue offering its good offices to enable both countries to engage in sustained dialogue and cooperation,” he said.

“Together, the three of us have reaffirmed that peace and stability are indispensable for ASEAN’s continued growth, prosperity, and the well-being of our people,” he added.