Asean Regional Forum urged to focus on pressing challenges, says Mohamad Hasan
"Maritime tensions continue in key waterways, raising the risk of miscalculation. Cyber threats are escalating, undermining infrastructure, spreading disinformation, and eroding public trust. Climate change, once a distant risk, now presents multiple threats that worsen insecurity and displace communities," he said in his opening remarks at the ARF here on Friday (July 11).
Beyond dialogue, Mohamad said the ARF must be better equipped to respond swiftly and effectively.
"It should play a stronger role in early warning and response, especially in humanitarian crises, health emergencies, and conflict prevention," he said, also highlighting the importance of moving from dialogue to action.
"The gap between ambition and implementation must be closed," he added.
Malaysia, Mohamad said, calls for stronger cooperation through joint projects in key areas, including maritime security, counter-terrorism, disaster preparedness, and better coordination with other Asean-led platforms.
He added that the ARF's strength lay in its inclusivity, uniting 27 participants with diverse perspectives.
"We must reaffirm our commitment to dialogue, consensus, and mutual respect. These principles have guided us in navigating differences and maintaining stability, even in challenging times," he said.
"Together, we must strengthen the ARF as a stabilising force - a forum where trust is nurtured, differences are managed, and partnerships are strengthened," Mohamad added.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
17 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Demilitarise to stabilise: Why the Ta Muen Thom sector must be the first to fall silent — Phar Kim Beng
JULY 25 — In the long and tangled history of Thailand-Cambodia relations, the frontier between the two nations has often served less as a boundary and more as a crucible for conflict. Nowhere is this more evident than the Ta Muen Thom sector — where barbed wire, bunkers, and bitter memories converge. It is precisely here, in this theatre of overlapping claims and ancient temples, that we must begin a new journey: the full demilitarisation of the border, starting with this volatile corridor. Recent skirmishes along the frontier — most notably the deadly exchange of fire near the Emerald Triangle in May 2025 and the confirmed allegations of Cambodian minelaying reported by The Bangkok Post in July — have revived ghosts of the past. From 2008 to 2011, Thai and Cambodian troops faced off repeatedly over sacred sites like Preah Vihear and Ta Krabey. Peace was elusive because firepower and politics trumped common sense. As tensions now threaten to spiral again, the stakes are even higher, exacerbated by the intermingling of military control with the illegal digital economy, narcotics networks, and cross-border crime. The line between sovereignty and subversion is blurring fast. To break this dangerous cycle, Asean must act decisively, and Bangkok and Phnom Penh must agree to a phased, externally monitored demilitarisation. The logical starting point is the Ta Muen Thom corridor, not only because of its historical sensitivity but also its current operational volatility. This is not simply a symbolic gesture — it is a strategic necessity. The case for Ta Muen Thom Located in Surin province on the Thai side and Oddar Meanchey on the Cambodian side, the Ta Muen Thom complex has long been a fault line between military patrols and nationalist claims. It houses not just a sacred Khmer-era temple but a frontline of armoured deployments. Any spark here—be it accidental or deliberate—could ignite a wider conflict. More importantly, this area sits atop one of the most porous segments of the border, where human trafficking, scam syndicates, and illicit arms movement have flourished under the cloak of nationalism. Cambodia's decision to lay new mines, allegedly to slow Thai military advances, is a grim reminder of the past's persistence. Despite being a signatory to the Ottawa Treaty banning landmines, Phnom Penh's apparent violations not only endanger civilians but inflame already raw sentiments in Thailand. For Bangkok, any suggestion of Cambodian expansionism, especially near ancient temples with shared heritage, plays directly into domestic narratives of sovereignty under siege. Yet it is this very mix of history and hysteria that makes the Ta Muen Thom corridor the most urgent candidate for demilitarisation. A Cambodian military personnel stands on a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher, around 40km from the disputed Ta Moan Thom temple, after Thailand and Cambodia exchanged heavy artillery on Friday as their worst fighting in more than a decade stretched for a second day, in Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia, July 25, 2025. — Reuters pic Three tiers of ceasefire: From tactical to transformational Ceasefire agreements alone are not enough. History shows that Thailand and Cambodia have repeatedly agreed to halt hostilities only to see fighting resume within days. That is why this conflict demands a structured and multi-layered approach to demilitarisation — built on three essential types of ceasefires. First, tactical or local ceasefires are needed immediately. These must be enforced at flashpoints like Ta Muen Thom, Khnar Temple, and Preah Vihear. Commanders on both sides must establish direct communication channels, perhaps via an Asean Emergency Border Hotline, to prevent miscalculations and rogue operations. When troops face off without coordination, minor incidents can escalate into major bloodshed. Second, a ceasefire monitored by neutral observers is crucial. This was the original intent behind the 2011 agreement that allowed Indonesian observers to patrol the Preah Vihear region. A similar framework should now be extended to Ta Muen Thom. The Asean Secretariat, with support from the Asean Regional Forum (ARF), can redeploy a border monitoring team composed of unarmed civilians and retired military officials from neutral Asean states like Malaysia and Indonesia. Their presence would reduce the chance of surprise offensives and increase transparency. Third, and most vital for long-term peace, a permanent ceasefire must be legally embedded in an internationally recognised framework. This would entail mutual recognition of the ICJ's 1962 and 2013 rulings, which awarded Preah Vihear to Cambodia and called for the establishment of demilitarised zones. Thailand has often rejected the ICJ's broader jurisdiction over the border demarcation, but in the spirit of Asean unity, both sides must now work through the Asean Charter's High Council for Dispute Resolution or agree to third-party arbitration by an Asean–UN hybrid mechanism. Geopolitics and local politics: A dangerous nexus Why is such decisive action urgent now? Because the regional geopolitical climate is shifting fast — and not in Asean's favour. China's expanding role in both Cambodia's digital economy and Thai political patronage has introduced new complexities. Beijing's request earlier this year for Thailand to crack down on scam networks operating out of border casinos was met with quiet compliance in Bangkok but fury in Phnom Penh. Leaked communications between former Prime Minister Hun Sen and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra revealed growing distrust. For Hun Sen, whose family network is deeply intertwined with the digital economy emanating from the Cambodian frontier, Thai enforcement risks undermining his dynastic interests. For Paetongtarn, whose premiership rests on winning over both military and civilian constituencies, appearing weak in the face of Cambodian provocation is politically untenable. Both are prisoners of their own nationalist narratives. Against this backdrop, a military provocation — even unintended — could provide domestic political capital. But it would be catastrophic for regional stability. The Asean responsibility to intervene Asean is often criticised for being slow, reactive, or overly cautious. But the bloc is not without tools. Article 23 of the Asean Charter allows the convening of a High Council to mediate disputes. The Asean Chair — currently Malaysia — can immediately request an emergency consultation with both parties, perhaps convened in neutral Jakarta. If necessary, Malaysia and Vietnam should be appointed as special envoys to mediate, given their shared borders and vested interest in a stable mainland South-east Asia. Asean must also back the creation of a Joint Border Demilitarisation Commission, supported by the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UNDPPA), to facilitate logistics, mapping, and troop withdrawals — starting with Ta Muen Thom. This could become a model for resolving other disputed zones, such as along the Lao–Cambodia and Myanmar–Thailand borders. Demilitarisation is not appeasement Critics will argue that withdrawing troops from Ta Muen Thom or allowing third-party monitoring is tantamount to surrendering sovereignty. But this is a false binary. Demilitarisation, when coupled with international recognition and border development funds, strengthens sovereignty by removing the incentives for proxy warfare and illegal trafficking. It also frees both governments from being manipulated by warlords, digital mafia networks, or patronage-based military elites. With peace, the border can become a zone of connectivity, not conflict — supporting trade, tourism, and joint heritage management. Conclusion: Let the silence begin where it's loudest If Asean wants to demonstrate relevance amid rising geopolitical uncertainty, the demilitarisation of the Thai Cambodian border — beginning with Ta Muen Thom — must be its priority. Here lies not just a relic of civilisational pride, but a powder keg of modern insecurity. Turning it into a demilitarised zone would send a powerful signal: that South-east Asia will not be held hostage to the past, nor to the criminal networks and nationalist tempers of the present. Peace is not forged in grand declarations but in quiet zones. Let the silence begin where the guns once roared the loudest. *Phar Kim Beng, PhD, is the Director of the Institute of Internationalisation and Asean Studies (IINTAS) at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). He served as a former Head Teaching Fellow at Harvard University and is a Cambridge Commonwealth Scholar. **This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Thai-Cambodia conflict: Wisma Putra told to provide updates on potential ceasefire, says Fahmi
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed Wisma Putra to monitor developments in the escalating border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia following positive signals from both countries regarding the possibility of a ceasefire. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who is also the Madani Government spokesman, said the matter is in line with Malaysia's role as the Asean Chair for 2025. Fahmi said Anwar informed the Cabinet that he had contacted Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Thursday (July 24) regarding the issue. 'At this point, there is a willingness from both sides to announce a ceasefire, and we are awaiting their statements. 'Following this, the Prime Minister has asked Wisma Putra to examine the situation and provide updates on the outcome of discussions between Thailand and Cambodia,' he said at his weekly press conference here on Friday (July 25). Media reports stated that Thai and Cambodian troops clashed on Thursday in a disputed border area, with both sides accusing each other of triggering the latest confrontation. Tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations have escalated since May 28 following a bloody incident in the Preah Vihear area, which claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier. The two countries have been at odds over an 817km undemarcated border for decades, and the dispute continues to strain diplomatic ties. Last Wednesday, the Thai government downgraded diplomatic relations with Cambodia after a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine, which Thailand alleged was recently planted in the area. Cambodia later retaliated by downgrading its diplomatic relations with Thailand to the lowest level. – Bernama
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Thailand-Cambodia conflict: Wisma Putra told to review, provide updates
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has asked Wisma Putra to monitor developments in the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, following positive signals from both countries regarding the possibility of implementing a ceasefire. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who is also the MADANI Government spokesman, said the matter is in line with Malaysia's role as ASEAN Chair in 2025. Fahmi said the Prime Minister informed the Cabinet today that he had contacted Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai yesterday regarding the issue. 'At this point, there is a willingness from both prime ministers to announce a ceasefire, and we are awaiting their statements. 'Following this, the Prime Minister has asked Wisma Putra to examine the situation and provide updates on the outcome of discussions between Thailand and Cambodia,' he said at his weekly press conference here today. Media reports stated that Thai and Cambodian troops clashed on Thursday in a disputed border area, with both sides accusing each other of triggering the latest confrontation. Tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations have escalated since May 28 following a bloody incident in the Preah Vihear area, which claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier. The two countries have been at odds over an 817-km undemarcated border for decades, and the dispute continues to strain diplomatic ties. Last Wednesday, the Thai government downgraded diplomatic relations with Cambodia in an immediate response after a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine allegedly recently planted. Cambodia later retaliated by downgrading its diplomatic relations with Thailand to the lowest level on Thursday. - Bernama
