Verity: Jurnal Ilmiah Hubungan Internasional (International Relations Journal)
Vol. 18 No. 35 (2026): January - June

EXPLAINING MALAYSIA’S MEDIATION IN THE THAILAND-CAMBODIA CONFLICT THROUGH LIBERALISM

Annisa Adlina (Akademi Pariwisata Nasional Banjarmasin)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jul 2026

Abstract

The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia escalated again in mid-2025 after a violation of the code of ethics by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as revealed in a phone recording. Although Shinawatra was ultimately dismissed from his post, the Thai people seemed to rise again to fight for Preah Vihear to be included in their territory. In response, Malaysia, as a neighboring country and the chair of ASEAN 2025, also offered to mediate the Bangkok-Phnom Penh conflict. This paper examines the factors influencing Malaysia's decision through the lens of liberalism. The results of the study indicate that Malaysia is driven to act rationally to guarantee its citizens' rights and create a better life and welfare through international cooperation. Once this is achieved, it is hoped that it can project a new and better state order, referred to as the concept of liberalism as a modern state.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

JHIV

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences

Description

Verity: Jurnal Ilmiah Hubungan Internasional (International Relations Journal) is published by the Faculty of Social and Political Science of the University of Pelita Harapan. The journal aims to facilitate the exchange and deployment of scientific ideas by academics and practitioners in the field ...