Ankara: Malaysia will act as a mediator in the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, which has recently escalated into deadly tensions, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said on Sunday. He noted that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Premier Phumtham Wechayachai will visit Malaysia on Monday to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

According to Anadolu Agency, Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura confirmed that Thailand and Cambodia will hold a meeting in Malaysia on Monday. Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan shared that he had discussions with the Foreign Ministers of both nations, who expressed that no other country should be involved in this issue. Both countries have full confidence in Malaysia and have requested Malaysia to mediate.

Hasan also mentioned awaiting communication from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding potential US assistance. However, Hasan emphasized the importance of Malaysia acting as the mediator first, highlighting it as an internal ASEAN matter where Malaysia, as the ASEAN chair, should play a central role.

The situation follows US President Donald Trump's communication on Saturday with the prime ministers of Cambodia and Thailand, urging them to commence ceasefire negotiations, which they reportedly agreed to. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with Thailand reporting 20 deaths, including six soldiers, and Cambodia reporting 13 deaths, including five soldiers, since the escalation began on Thursday.

The ongoing tensions between the Southeast Asian neighbors are centered around a border dispute along Cambodia's Preah Vihear province and Thailand's northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani, with the latest round of tensions igniting after a Cambodian soldier was killed on May 28.