Indochina border clashes concern next Asean chair
The Philippines has expressed concern over the ongoing dispute between Thailand and Cambodia and called for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
In a statement late Saturday, President Marcos said the Philippines is ready to help de-escalate tensions between the two countries.
“The Philippines views with concern the ongoing conflict between our two fellow [Association of South East Asian Nations] member states and urge them to resolve the dispute in accordance with international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” the President said in a statement.
The Philippines is scheduled to be Asean chair next year.
“The Philippines stands ready to assist in any way to restore peace,” Mr. Marcos said, a day after the Department of Foreign Affairs advised Filipinos against traveling to seven Thai provinces—Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Sa Kaeo, Buri Ram, Chanthaburi, and Trat—amid the border clashes.
“Travel by Filipinos to the aforementioned provinces is highly discouraged due to the ongoing situation,” the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok said in a statement on Saturday.
Filipinos residing in the border areas, meanwhile, were told to “earnestly follow” the instructions of local authorities.”
