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The Hindu
16 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Border Fire, Regional Fallout: Thailand, Cambodia, and the Fragility of Peace in Southeast Asia
On 24 July 2025, the long-disputed Thailand–Cambodia border once again erupted into open violence. Cambodian rocket fire reportedly killed Thai civilians and soldiers in Surin Province. In response, Thai F‑16 fighter jets carried out airstrikes near the Ta Muen Thom temple complex, escalating what had been a tense standoff into a full-blown military clash. Within hours, diplomatic relations nosedived—Thailand expelled the Cambodian ambassador, suspended border trade through major checkpoints, and deployed additional troops to reinforce its frontier. From Phnom Penh, Prime Minister Hun Manet condemned the Thai airstrikes as 'unprovoked aggression' and urgently appealed to the United Nations Security Council. Images of bomb craters, wounded villagers, and smouldering fields flashed across Cambodian state television. In Bangkok, the military framed its response as self-defence and insisted Cambodia had violated Thai sovereignty. Yet beyond the rhetoric and the troop movements lies a more concerning truth: this is no ordinary border dispute. It is a symptom of deeper regional instability and a stark warning about the declining capacity of ASEAN to maintain peace among its members. The conflict is rooted in long-standing historical disputes over border demarcation, particularly around temple complexes such as Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom. Though the International Court of Justice ruled in Cambodia's favour in 1962 and again in 2013 with respect to Preah Vihear, adjacent areas remain contested. The Ta Muen Thom temple, located in the Dangrek range, is similarly caught in cartographic ambiguity. While clashes in the past were sporadic and localised, the current situation is qualitatively different. Both governments are using the incident to rally nationalist support at home, entrenching positions that make de-escalation more difficult. In Thailand, the crisis coincides with a period of domestic political uncertainty. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended just weeks earlier following the leak of a private conversation with Cambodian leaders, raising questions about civilian authority and foreign policy decision-making. The military's prompt retaliation, coupled with the ambassador's expulsion, marks a reassertion of hardline nationalism. In Cambodia, Hun Manet has used the incident to project strength and unity, positioning himself as the custodian of national sovereignty. Both sides are appealing to nationalist sentiments, reinforcing a cycle of confrontation with limited space for dialogue. What is particularly striking is the institutional vacuum into which this conflict has emerged. While ASEAN is yet to convene an emergency summit, appoint a special envoy, or offer a structured mediation process. The bloc's slow response contrasts sharply with the urgency of the situation. Cambodia's turn to the UN for redress is a clear sign of eroding confidence in ASEAN's ability to manage intra-regional disputes. While individual ASEAN members—most notably Indonesia and Singapore—have urged both parties to de-escalate, the regional body appears paralysed. The diplomatic fallout is already taking a toll. Cross-border trade, which supports thousands of livelihoods along the Thai–Cambodian frontier, has come to a halt. The tourism sector, recovering from years of pandemic-induced disruption, now faces renewed cancellations and travel advisories. At the geopolitical level, the crisis opens the door for external actors to play a greater role. China, which maintains strong bilateral ties with both governments, could step in to offer mediation. But such a role is unlikely to be viewed as neutral, particularly in Thailand, where concerns about Chinese influence have intensified in recent years. Meanwhile, Japan and the United States have both expressed concern, raising the prospect of a broader strategic entanglement if the situation worsens. For India, the clash is deeply troubling. As a key strategic partner of ASEAN and an advocate of its centrality in the Indo-Pacific, India has invested heavily in connectivity and trade across Southeast Asia. The India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway, for example, hinges on border stability and regional coordination. If ASEAN is unable to fulfil its role as a security anchor, India's own regional engagement could be affected. Moreover, the dispute underscores the importance of effective multilateral institutions. India has always emphasised diplomacy and peaceful dispute resolution—principles that are now under strain in its extended neighbourhood. There is still a narrow window for de-escalation. A ceasefire agreement, ideally brokered through ASEAN's more capable members or with international support, must be prioritised. The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation offers mechanisms such as the High Council for mediation—mechanisms that must be activated. If bilateral efforts fail, a neutral monitoring arrangement under UN or ASEAN auspices could help stabilise the situation. But long-term peace will require more than ceasefires. It will need renewed political will, institutional reform within ASEAN, and a return to diplomacy over spectacle. What is unfolding between Thailand and Cambodia today is more than a frontier skirmish. It is a test of Southeast Asia's ability to preserve peace without descending into hardened nationalism or external dependency. The bullets may have been exchanged along an ancient border, but the real battleground is the future of regional cooperation. ASEAN cannot afford to remain silent. And the region cannot afford another failure. 'This article is part of sponsored content programme.'
India.com
4 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Cambodia Pushes For Ceasefire After Deadly Border Skirmishes With Thailand
New Delhi: Cambodia's UN envoy called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire with Thailand amid deadly border clashes, where both sides have endured escalating fatalities and widespread displacement. During a closed-door UN Security Council session attended by representatives from both nations, Cambodia's UN ambassador, Chhea Keo, emphasised the need for a peaceful resolution: 'Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire, unconditionally, and we also call for a peaceful solution to the dispute.' Fierce artillery strikes echoed from Cambodia's border region around Oddar Meanchey on Friday, where officials reported a 70-year-old civilian killed and five others wounded. Thailand's health ministry confirmed at least 15 fatalities on its side, 14 civilians and one soldier, and 46 people injured, including 15 troops. Over 138,000 residents from border areas have been evacuated. The Thai army stated that hostilities resumed around 4 a.m. local time, escalating with Cambodian forces deploying heavy artillery, BM-21 rocket systems, and field weaponry. Thai forces responded with what they termed 'appropriate supporting fire.' By Friday afternoon, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura indicated a slight reduction in fighting. He also expressed a willingness to hold talks, potentially facilitated by Malaysia, which currently chairs ASEAN, but noted that no reply had yet been received from Cambodia. Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned earlier that escalation could lead to full-scale war, although he maintained that the conflict remained contained 'for now.' Both nations accused each other of initiating the violence. Thailand alleged that Cambodia targeted civilian sites, including a hospital and a petrol station. At the same time, Cambodia disputed claims that it began the conflict, pointing out its military disadvantage and reaffirming its call for diplomacy. This latest eruption is a marked escalation in the decades-old territorial dispute along the approximately 800-km shared border. Although a 2013 UN court ruling appeared to resolve much of the disagreement, fresh clashes since May, including the death of a Cambodian soldier, have reignited tensions. In recent hostilities, fighting occurred across six contested zones, including areas around two ancient temples. The conflict escalated as troops and tanks battled for terrain control; Cambodia fired rockets and shells while Thailand mobilised F‑16 jets to strike across the border. In Samraong, Cambodia, just 12 miles from the frontline, families fled with their children after shelling began. 'I live very close to the border. We are scared,' said resident Pro Bak, 41, who was helping his family seek refuge in a nearby Buddhist temple. Cambodia's ceasefire plea and Thailand's cautious openness to talks mark a possible turning point. The international community remains on alert, urging restraint and negotiation before the conflict spirals further.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
World War III: Thailand–Cambodia border clashes escalate toward war-like situation - South East Asia in turmoil
Thailand–Cambodia border conflict has dangerously escalated, drawing attention from global powers and fueling fears of a potential war in Southeast Asia. As the death toll rises and over 130,000 civilians are evacuated, both countries have ramped up military operations near disputed territories, prompting international calls for de-escalation. With tanks, fighter jets, rocket systems, and artillery in action, what began as a localized skirmish now threatens to destabilize the entire region. Background: What Triggered the Thailand–Cambodia Clashes? Tensions reignited in late May 2025 when a Cambodian soldier was killed near the Chang Bok checkpoint, located in the heavily contested Emerald Triangle region. This remote area—where the borders of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos converge—has long been a flashpoint for territorial disputes. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Degree Data Science Data Analytics Project Management MBA healthcare Technology Artificial Intelligence CXO Product Management Cybersecurity Digital Marketing Healthcare others Others Leadership PGDM Design Thinking Public Policy MCA Data Science Management Finance Operations Management Skills you'll gain: Data-Driven Decision-Making Strategic Leadership and Transformation Global Business Acumen Comprehensive Business Expertise Duration: 2 Years University of Western Australia UWA Global MBA Starts on Jun 28, 2024 Get Details Despite a brief diplomatic lull, the situation rapidly deteriorated by July 24, when intense gunfire and artillery exchanges erupted near Ta Muen Thom, an ancient Khmer temple located along the border. What followed was a multi-front escalation involving ground troops, tanks, drones, and even airstrikes by Thai F‑16 fighter jets. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Where Are the Clashes Happening? The fiercest battles are occurring across 12 border checkpoints, with both sides accusing each other of violating sovereignty. The most notable flashpoints include: Ta Muen Thom Temple (disputed temple site) Choam-Khansung checkpoint Chong Chom in Surin province (Thailand) Oddar Meanchey and Banteay Meanchey provinces (Cambodia) Thailand–Cambodia clashes began near Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple and quickly spread to other disputed sites like Ta Krabey and Ta Mone Touch. (Source- BBC) Live Events The temple disputes are particularly sensitive due to their cultural significance and historical claims. Both nations have militarized areas around these temples, ignoring repeated diplomatic warnings over the years. Military Escalation: From Skirmish to War-Like Situation Thailand responded to the Cambodian rocket and artillery fire by launching "Operation Yuttha Bodin", a large-scale military counteroffensive involving: F‑16 airstrikes on Cambodian positions Heavy artillery shelling Deployment of tanks and infantry Drone surveillance and air support Meanwhile, Cambodia deployed BM‑21 Grad multiple rocket launchers, drones, and ground troops across key checkpoints. Thai officials accused Cambodian forces of targeting civilian infrastructure, including a hospital and a petrol station—a charge Cambodia denies. Civilian Toll: Over 130,000 Flee Border Zones The human cost is rising. Thai authorities report: 14 civilians dead Dozens injured Over 130,000 evacuated from Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, and Sa Kaeo provinces Cambodia has reported at least one civilian death and over 4,000 people displaced in Oddar Meanchey province, with shelters being set up in border towns. Emergency services in both countries are overwhelmed. Temporary camps are struggling with shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Thai officials warn that if the fighting intensifies, the number of displaced civilians could double within days. Political Reactions: Diplomatic War Erupts Alongside Military Conflict Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai described the clashes as 'serious border skirmishes' but warned that they 'could develop into war' if not checked immediately. On the other hand, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has taken a stronger diplomatic stance, accusing Thailand of launching a premeditated attack and calling for an urgent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting. In a move reflecting the severity of the situation: Thailand recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh Cambodia summoned the Thai envoy for an explanation Both countries filed diplomatic protests with the UN The rhetoric is also being amplified by former leaders. Cambodia's Hun Sen and Thailand's Thaksin Shinawatra—both controversial power brokers—have traded barbs on social media and in public speeches, further inflaming nationalist sentiment. Global Response: ASEAN, UN, and World Powers Urge Calm The growing tensions have alarmed neighboring countries and major world powers: ASEAN chair Malaysia urged 'maximum restraint' and offered to mediate The United States , China , and the European Union have all issued statements supporting peaceful resolution The United Nations is preparing an emergency session to address the dispute Experts warn that without swift international mediation, the conflict may spiral out of control, especially as both militaries are fully mobilized and entrenched. Economic Consequences: Southeast Asia's Stability at Risk The border conflict is already having severe economic fallout: For Cambodia: Tourism has plummeted due to border closures and safety concerns Key border casinos in Poipet and O'Smach are shuttered, causing major revenue losses Trade disruptions are hurting exports and supply chains, especially in agricultural goods For Thailand: Major highways connecting to Cambodia have been sealed Trade in border towns like Aranyaprathet has come to a halt Thai businesses and logistics hubs are reporting delays and security risks Both countries could suffer if foreign investors begin pulling out over geopolitical instability, especially given existing concerns in the region from Myanmar's civil war and South China Sea tensions. Why the Conflict Matters Globally This is not just a local or bilateral issue. Here's why it's being seen as a potential flashpoint in Southeast Asia: Geostrategic Location : The Thailand–Cambodia border sits near major trade and energy routes in the Mekong region. Military Build-Up : With advanced weaponry being used, even minor miscalculations could escalate into full-scale warfare. Refugee Risk : Mass displacement could trigger a regional refugee crisis, spilling into Laos and Vietnam. Tensions Among Aging Leaders : Political egos—particularly those of aging elites like Hun Sen and Thaksin—are adding fuel to the fire. Erosion of ASEAN Unity : The conflict is testing ASEAN's capacity to mediate and maintain regional stability. What Happens Next? While the situation remains volatile, several outcomes are possible: Optimistic Scenario: ASEAN-led negotiations or UN intervention succeeds Ceasefire is brokered with international observers deployed Both sides agree to demilitarize and return to status quo Worst-Case Scenario: Fighting escalates into declared war Broader regional instability ensues Foreign powers are drawn in—either diplomatically or militarily Right now, global attention is focused on preventing the Thailand–Cambodia border conflict from igniting a wider Southeast Asian crisis. The Thailand–Cambodia clashes mark the worst border violence in over a decade, and the situation is dangerously close to spiraling out of control. With heavy military involvement, rising civilian casualties, and political brinkmanship at play, the world watches anxiously. Whether peace prevails or war ignites may depend on what happens in the next few days—and how fast diplomacy can catch up to the gunfire. FAQs: Q1: What caused the Thailand–Cambodia border conflict to escalate in 2025? A Cambodian soldier's death in May 2025 triggered the latest fighting at the disputed border. Q2: How many people have been displaced by the Thailand–Cambodia clashes? Over 130,000 civilians in Thailand and 4,000 in Cambodia have been evacuated due to the violence.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Thailand declines external mediation, demands direct talks with Cambodia
Thailand has rejected mediation efforts from third countries to end the ongoing conflict with Cambodia, insisting that Phnom Penh cease attacks and resolve the dispute solely through bilateral talks, the Thai Foreign Ministry said on Friday. This follows Thursday's deployment of an F‑16 fighter jet, which bombed a military target in Cambodia after artillery volleys from both sides killed at least 11 civilians in the latest escalation of border clashes. Read: Thai fighter jet bombs Cambodia Moreover, the United States, China and Malaysia—the current chair of the ASEAN regional bloc—have all offered to facilitate dialogue. However, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told Reuters, 'I don't think we need any mediation from a third country yet.' Bangkok's stance comes amid a full‑blown diplomatic crisis that saw ambassadors expelled and troops reinforced on both sides after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a brief skirmish in May. Thailand has maintained that any resolution must await a complete cessation of hostilities before direct talks can proceed.
News18
5 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Temple, Territory, Tensions: Why Thailand, Cambodia Are Trading Blows Again, Should India Worry?
Thailand-Cambodia dispute centres on a 4.6-square-km area around Preah Vihear Hindu Temple, which holds cultural significance for both nations, symbolising their shared heritage Thailand on Thursday deployed F‑16 jets against Cambodian military targets in a dramatic escalation of a long‑standing border dispute. This followed a landmine blast on July 23 in which a Thai soldier lost a leg. Thailand retaliated by recalling its ambassador, severing diplomatic ties, closing border checkpoints, and launching airstrikes. Cambodia, lacking air assets, responded with rocket launchers and pledged a 'decisive" counter‑response. Fierce artillery exchanges, landmine threats, and civilian displacement have roused fears of broader conflict. What's At The Heart Of The Conflict? The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute centres on a 4.6-square-kilometer area around the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple, perched on a cliff in the Dangrek Mountains. This Hindu temple, built during the Khmer Empire, holds cultural significance for both nations, symbolising their shared heritage. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, but the surrounding land remains contested, with both countries claiming sovereignty. Clashes in 2011 killed 22 people, and the ICJ's 2013 ruling affirming Cambodia's control over the temple failed to resolve disputes over nearby areas like the Emerald Triangle, where Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos meet. What Happened In The Recent Escalation? The latest flare-up began in May, when a Cambodian soldier died in a clash near the Emerald Triangle, followed by a Thai soldier's injury from a landmine on July 23. Five Thai soldiers were wounded, prompting Thailand to recall its ambassador from Phnom Penh and expel Cambodia's, closing parts of its northeastern border. On July 24, Thai F-16 jets struck two Cambodian military units, with Thailand's 2nd Regional Military Command claiming they 'destroyed" targets, per a Facebook post. Cambodia, lacking a combat-capable air force, vowed to 'respond decisively," with its BM-21 rocket launchers seen near Preah Vihear, per CNN. Clashes injured three Thai civilians, prompting evacuations in Surin province's Kap Choeng district. Cambodia's Defense Ministry claimed its troops acted in self-defence against an 'unprovoked" Thai incursion, per Lieutenant General Maly Socheata. How Did It Become A Political Firestorm? A leaked 17-minute phone call on June 19 between Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen intensified the crisis. Paetongtarn, 38, appeared to criticise her military, saying, 'If Hun Sen wants anything, he can just tell me, and I will take care of it," per CNN. The audio, confirmed authentic, led to accusations of 'kowtowing" to Cambodia, sparking protests in Bangkok. The Bhumjaithai party withdrew from Paetongtarn's coalition, threatening her Pheu Thai party's grip on power. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a Chulalongkorn University professor, called her comments a betrayal of Thai interests. Paetongtarn's suspension and potential dismissal highlight Thailand's political volatility, with 10 prime ministers in 20 years, per The Hindu. Why The Conflict Between The Two Persists Several factors fuel the ongoing dispute: Historical Grievances: The 1907 Franco-Siamese treaty, which drew the border during French colonial rule, left ambiguities exploited by both nations. Thailand's claim to Preah Vihear stems from a 1904 map, while Cambodia relies on the ICJ's 1962 ruling. Nationalist sentiments, with 70% of Thais opposing the UNESCO listing, per a 2023 Bangkok Post poll, keep tensions alive. Political Instability: Thailand's turbulent politics, marked by coups and protests, amplifies nationalist rhetoric. Paetongtarn's leaked call mirrors India's own political scandals, like Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS)'s assault on a shopkeeper over a WhatsApp post, where public outrage fuels division. Cambodia's Hun Sen, wielding influence despite stepping down, stokes tensions to rally domestic support, per The Guardian. Military Disparity: Thailand's air force, with 11 Swedish Gripen jets and dozens of US-made F-16s, outmatches Cambodia's limited capabilities, per the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Military Balance 2025. This imbalance emboldens Thai airstrikes but risks escalation, as Cambodia's rocket launchers signal defiance. Economic Stakes: The border region, part of the Emerald Triangle, hosts trade routes and tourism, with Thailand's Aranyaprathet-Poipet checkpoint seeing $2 billion in annual trade, per a 2024 ASEAN report. Closures disrupt local economies, impacting 50,000 border residents, per The Nation. What Are The Implications For India & The Region? For India, with its $44 billion space economy and ASEAN trade ties, the Thailand-Cambodia clash is a cautionary tale. India's border disputes with China, costing $10 billion annually in military spending, per a 2024 NITI Aayog report, mirror the economic toll of such conflicts. The crisis threatens ASEAN unity, critical for India's $130 billion trade with the region, per MEA 2024. The clash also risks refugee flows, with 10,000 Cambodians displaced in 2011, per UNHCR, impacting India's regional security. The Thailand-Cambodia stand-off is not a mere border dispute. It is a flashpoint with the capacity to draw in wider regional interests. If unresolved, it risks destabilising ASEAN's unity and threatening India's broader ties in a region of growing geo-economic importance. The path ahead demands diplomacy, economic partnerships, and principled peace—lest this bruise on regional harmony turns into a deeper wound. About the Author Shilpy Bisht Shilpy Bisht, Deputy News Editor at News18, writes and edits national, world and business stories. She started off as a print journalist, and then transitioned to online, in her 12 years of experience. Her More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : ASEAN countries Cambodia thailand view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 24, 2025, 13:13 IST News explainers Temple, Territory, Tensions: Why Thailand, Cambodia Are Trading Blows Again, Should India Worry? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. 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