Adinda Jasmine, Jakarta – Xanana Gusmao, the Prime Minister of Timor Leste, delivered his inaugural policy speech at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Xanana made his first visit as Timor Leste was accepted as the 11th member of the regional bloc in Malaysia last October.
In his speech, Xanana directly addressed the crisis emerging at the borders of Thailand and Cambodia. He emphasized that ASEAN must remain steady and proactive in responding to the situation. "The immediate priority must be to protect civilians and prevent further displacement, while creating space for dialogue and diplomacy," Xanana said.
Calling for a proactive ASEAN
Xanana said the renewed fighting could potentially divert the bloc's shared agenda. "Our region cannot afford for this dispute to deepen or for it to divert us from our shared agenda of integration, development and stability. This is why ASEAN must remain steady and proactive," he stated.
He asserted that ASEAN has a moral and political responsibility to support the cessation of hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia. "Despite the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord of October 2025, peace has proved fragile. In moments like this, ASEAN's core principles must guide us," Xanana said.
He subsequently urged both countries to create the space for dialogue. "We urge both governments to exercise maximum restraint and return to dialogue through existing bilateral channels and ASEAN mechanisms, consistent with the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation," he added.
Escalating conflict at the border
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have flared up again this week. According to Al Jazeera reports, over 500 thousand residents from both countries have sought refuge in temples, schools, and other shelters after renewed clashes erupted in the century-long border dispute. The conflict on Tuesday expanded across five provinces in Thailand and Cambodia, with both sides accusing each other as the instigator.
At least 13 people, including Thai soldiers and Cambodian civilians, have been killed in the clashes over the past three days. The battles involved fighter jets, tanks, and drones in the disputed area spanning 800 kilometers. This latest conflict has become the deadliest since the five-day battle last July, which resulted in the deaths of dozens and forced 300 thousand people to flee, before both parties agreed to a ceasefire.