As deadly clashes erupt along Thailand and Cambodia’s disputed border, questions are resurfacing over whether the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) can live up to its mandate to preserve peace among its members.
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Analysts say the escalating violence is also exposing the bloc’s limited tools for intervention. While some urge urgent mediation and a return to dialogue, others argue Asean has been sidelined from the outset – raising concerns that nationalist politics and diplomatic inertia could allow the conflict to spiral further.
At least 12 people have been killed in recent fighting, with Thai and Cambodian troops exchanging gunfire, rocket fire and shelling across multiple points of the 820km frontier. Most of the casualties were civilians from Thailand’s three border provinces, according to Bangkok’s defence ministry.
The two countries traded blame for the attacks that erupted early on Thursday near the disputed Ta Moan Thom Temple, where troops exchanged gunfire, shelling and rocket fire, hours after Thailand accused Cambodia of leaving landmines that injured Thai soldiers, which Phnom Penh denied.
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Tensions along Thailand-Cambodia border boil over as soldiers open fire
Tensions along Thailand-Cambodia border boil over as soldiers open fire
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, whose country currently chairs Asean, urged both sides to “stand down” and resume talks, calling the situation “concerning” given the historic ties and regional responsibilities of both nations.
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“The least we can expect is for them to stand down and hopefully try to enter into negotiation,” Anwar said on Thursday, adding that he had already sent messages to the leaders of both countries and hoped to speak to them directly.