Trilateral video discussion takes place prior to the scheduled border committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur
Trilateral Video Conference Prepares for Peaceful Border Resolution
A trilateral video conference was held on Saturday, bringing together Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia, in preparation for the upcoming General Border Committee (GBC) meeting scheduled for August 7, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur. The meeting, shared on Facebook by Malaysia's national news agency Bernama, aimed to support a peaceful ASEAN-led resolution process regarding the border dispute, emphasizing peaceful engagement, constructive dialogue, and regional stability in line with shared ASEAN values.
The conference was attended by high-ranking officials from the defense forces of all three countries. General Tan Sri Hj Mohd Nizam Hj Jaffar, Chief of the Defence Forces of Malaysia, and Mohd Yani Daud, Deputy Secretary-General (Policy), Ministry of Defence Malaysia, were also present. Malaysia's Defence Minister Khaled Nordin, Thailand's Acting Defence Minister Gen Natthapon Nakpanich, and Cambodia's Defence Minister Gen Tea Seiha, were in attendance, each bringing their respective perspectives to the table.
The discussions primarily focused on preparing for the upcoming GBC meeting. Key issues included coordination among the three countries ahead of the meeting to facilitate effective negotiation and communication. Malaysia's role as a neutral facilitator to support the peaceful resolution process was also discussed. The review of the negotiation framework approved by Thailand's National Security Council (NSC) for the upcoming border talks was another significant point of discussion.
The preparation for preliminary bilateral meetings between Cambodia and Thailand representatives, held from August 4 to 6, was also addressed. The presence of observers from Malaysia, the United States, and China at the GBC meeting was noted, reflecting international interest and support for peace. Although details of the agenda were not publicly disclosed by Thailand’s Acting Defence Minister Gen Natthaphon Narkphanit, the discussions were framed within the context of recent tensions, including border skirmishes and ceasefire maintenance.
The backdrop to these talks involves escalating tensions and border skirmishes since May 2025 around the Cambodia-Thailand border near Preah Vihear and Ubon Ratchathani provinces, with casualties on both sides. The trilateral meeting contributed to laying groundwork for a broader de-escalation roadmap and reinforced commitments to uphold ceasefire and diplomatic resolution under ASEAN frameworks.
In summary, the conference addressed the coordination, negotiation frameworks, observer involvement, and facilitation efforts to ensure the upcoming GBC meeting effectively advances a peaceful resolution to the border dispute. The meeting on the 4th to the 6th of August will be a preliminary meeting between representatives from Thailand and Cambodia, paving the way for the main GBC meeting on August 7, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur.
- The trilateral video conference emphasized the importance of maintaining regional stability and constructive dialogue, which are key aspects of the general news and politics, as all parties work towards a peaceful ASEAN-led resolution of the border dispute.
- The discussions during the trilateral video conference regarding coordination among the three countries, observer involvement, and negotiation frameworks are significant health indicators for the diplomatic resolution of the border dispute, highlighting the intersection of politics and general news.
