Marcos: PH ready to help resolve Thai-Cambodian dispute

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 26 said the Philippines is “ready to assist in any way” to restore peace between neighboring Southeast Asian nations, Thailand and Cambodia.

In a Facebook post, Marcos expressed concern over the deadly dispute and called on both countries to pursue a peaceful resolution. 

“The Philippines views with concern the ongoing conflict between our fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Member States and urge them to resolve the dispute in accordance with international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” Marcos said.

He added that the Philippines “stands ready to assist in any way to restore peace.”

The statement came as casualties continued to rise following renewed fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border over the past two days.

According to Al Jazeera, an international news channel, the death toll on both sides now stands at 32.

Cambodia reported having at least 50 civilians and more than 20 soldiers injured, while about 20,000 residents have fled the northern border of Thailand.

Meanwhile, Thailand has reported 13 civilians and six soldiers killed, 30 civilians and 29 soldiers injured, and over 138,000 people have evacuated the border regions.

The long-running border dispute between the two countries re-erupted on July 23 near the Ta Moan Thom Temple, which eventually spread to several areas along the border.

In response, the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok advised Filipinos to avoid traveling to conflict-affected provinces including Ubon Ratchatani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Sa Kaeo, Buri Ram, Chantaburi, and Trat.