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The Star
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
News Analysis - Deadly Thai-Cambodian dispute puts Asean's relevance on the line
SINGAPORE: Asean's continuing silence on mounting tensions between Thailand and Cambodia is once again testing its long-standing principle of non-interference. Deadly clashes between its two member states on July 24 left at least 12 dead more than two months after border hostilities reignited. The escalation underscores Asean's limitations in handling intra-regional disputes, experts told The Straits Times, and raises fresh questions about its relevance in managing crises among its own members. 'It is institutional inertia,' said Mr Andrew Mantong, a researcher at Indonesia's Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). 'The region has spent decades building platforms and mechanisms for peace. Yet when war erupts in its backyard, it is diplomacy by absence.' At least 12 Thais, mostly civilians, have been killed in the latest outbreak of a long-standing border dispute. Fighting erupted in a contested area, with Cambodia accused of firing rockets into a Thai village and attacking a hospital, while Thailand launched air strikes on Cambodian military targets. In response, Thailand has closed its entire border and urged its citizens to leave Cambodia. Phnom Penh has downgraded diplomatic ties, accusing Bangkok of using excessive force. The current flare-up began in May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed during a brief exchange of gunfire. Tensions have steadily escalated since, culminating in the recent air strikes and cross-border shelling. Asean has remained publicly silent throughout, although some individual members states have called for peace. The conflict was also not raised at the recent Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia is the current Asean chair and when asked about the issue during a press conference on July 11, Malaysia Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan called it a bilateral issue and reaffirmed the group's traditional stance of non-interference. While Asean has long prided itself on consensus-building and neutrality, Mr Andrew of CSIS said its silence in the face of open conflict is unwise and risks diminishing its standing on the world stage. That credibility has taken a further hit as Cambodia seems to have bypassed the grouping by appealing directly to the United Nations. On July 24, Cambodian media published Prime Minister Hun Manet's letter to the UN Security Council's president, Pakistan's envoy Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, calling for an urgent meeting of the 15-member body. It is the first time in more than a decade that an Asean member has made such a request. Cambodia also made the previous request in 2011, when artillery exchanges with Thailand near the Preah Vihear temple prompted Phnom Penh to seek international intervention. The UN Security Council is expected to convene in the coming days, but observers say any outcome will likely mirror that of 2011, which had included calls for maximum restraint and for Asean to play a more active role in dispute resolution. Still, the referral itself is telling. If countries in the region feel compelled to turn to New York to manage tensions with their neighbours, it reflects a worrying lack of trust in Asean, or in any regional third party, to help defuse a conflict in its own backyard. 'The gap between Asean's aspirational vision and its operational readiness has rarely been this exposed; and I am worried that the current geopolitical contour will make it more frequently exposed,' said Mr Andrew. On Thursday (July 24), Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that he had sent messages to the prime ministers of Cambodia and Thailand, hoping to speak with them personally. Calling the situation worrying, he said that both countries are key members of Asean and close neighbours to Malaysia, adding that he hoped they would de-escalate tensions and return to the negotiating table. Trust a key issue? Some analysts say a key factor holding Asean back is the lack of trust between the parties involved. Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn is Cambodian, and some observers argue that Thailand may not view him as a neutral mediator. A similar impasse occurred in 2008, when Cambodia rejected mediation by then-Asean secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan, a veteran Thai diplomat, during border clashes near the Preah Vihear temple. After mediation failed, the conflict simmered without formal resolution, until 2011, when Cambodia turned to the UN following renewed violence at the same border area. However, others say the problem is structural, not personal. Ms Joanne Lin, a senior fellow at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, said the issue lies with Asean's institutional design, not the nationality of its representatives. 'The Secretariat does not have the mandate to lead politically, and decisions must come from member states,' she said, noting how back in 2011 Cambodia had similarly turned to the UN. Eventually, the case went to the International Court of Justice, which ruled in 2013 that Cambodia had sovereignty over the temple and ordered Thai troops to withdraw. That verdict helped ease tensions, but more than a decade on, diplomatic relations between the two neighbours are at their lowest in years. Bilateral channels, said Ms Lin, may no longer be viable. Still, she believes Asean has a narrow window to act. Neutral members like Indonesia or Singapore could potentially step in to broker talks or quietly facilitate de-escalation. In the last bout of fighting between the two countries in 2011 – when Indonesia was the Asean chair – then Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa undertook shuttle diplomacy to defuse tensions. He held talks with both sides in their respective capitals, and also subsequently met with the UN Security Council alongside the two nations' foreign ministers. With the current ignition of tensions, Ms Lin said, 'if Asean doesn't step up, it risks being sidelined in its own region. China, which has close ties with both countries, has already shown interest in stepping in'. China on July 24 expressed deep concern over the border clashes and offered to play a constructive role in promoting peace, urging both sides to resolve the dispute through dialogue and pledging to remain fair, impartial and supportive of regional stability. Asean would prefer that the two countries resolve the conflict bilaterally, as both are members of the regional organisation. But if that is not possible, they should resolve it peacefully through third-party mediation, said Dr Mustafa Izzuddin, a senior international affairs analyst at business consultancy Solaris Strategies Singapore. However, the non-response from Asean – as of July 24 – signifies 'collective fatigue' on the part of the group in dealing with conflict in the region, he added. The group has faced criticism for its failure to implement the five-point peace plan with Myanmar's military regime, as well as its inability to conclude negotiations on a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea, aimed at managing tensions amid overlapping maritime claims. 'Asean is acting strategically so that it does not need to bite off more than it can chew as a multilateral organisation with a multitude of interests that are focused on regional integration,' said Dr Mustafa. - The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Deadly Thai-Cambodian dispute puts Asean's relevance on the line
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The escalation underscores Asean's limitations in handling intra-regional disputes and raises fresh questions about its relevance in managing crises among its own members. Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE – Asean's continuing silence on mounting tensions between Thailand and Cambodia is once again testing its longstanding principle of non-interference. Deadly clashes between its two member states on July 24 left at least 12 dead more than two months after border hostilities reignited. The escalation underscores Asean's limitations in handling intra-regional disputes, experts told The Straits Times, and raises fresh questions about its relevance in managing crises among its own members. 'It is institutional inertia,' said Mr Andrew Mantong, a researcher at Indonesia's Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). 'The region has spent decades building platforms and mechanisms for peace. Yet when war erupts in its backyard, it is diplomacy by absence.' At least 12 Thais, mostly civilians, have been killed in the latest outbreak of a longstanding border dispute. Fighting erupted in a contested area, with Cambodia accused of firing rockets into a Thai village and attacking a hospital, while Thailand launched air strikes on Cambodian military targets. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Live: People evacuated from border regions amid deadly Thailand-Cambodia clash Asia 11 Thai civilians killed as Thai and Cambodian militaries clash at disputed border: Reports Singapore Singapore says prolonged suffering of civilians in Gaza is 'unconscionable' Singapore Khatib Camp to make way for housing, with its functions moving to Amoy Quee Camp Singapore First BTO flats in Greater Southern Waterfront, Mount Pleasant to go on sale in October Singapore Mindef to set up new volunteer management unit to grow volunteer pool Singapore Primary 1 registration: 29 schools to conduct ballot in Phase 2B In response, Thailand has closed its entire border and urged its citizens to leave Cambodia. Phnom Penh has downgraded diplomatic ties, accusing Bangkok of using excessive force. The current flare-up began in May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed during a brief exchange of gunfire. Tensions have steadily escalated since, culminating in the recent air strikes and cross-border shelling. Asean has remained publicly silent throughout, although some individual member states have called for peace. The conflict was also not raised at the recent Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia is the current Asean chair and when asked about the issue during a press conference on July 11, Malaysia's Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan called it a bilateral issue and reaffirmed the group's traditional stance of non-interference. While Asean has long prided itself on consensus-building and neutrality, Mr Andrew of CSIS said its silence in the face of open conflict is unwise and risks diminishing its standing on the world stage. That credibility has taken a further hit as Cambodia seems to have bypassed the grouping by appealing directly to the United Nations. On July 24, the Cambodian media published Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet's letter to the UN Security Council's president, Pakistan's envoy Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, calling for an urgent meeting of the 15-member body. It is the first time in more than a decade that an Asean member has made such a request. Cambodia also made the previous request in 2011, when artillery exchanges with Thailand near the Preah Vihear temple prompted Phnom Penh to seek international intervention. The UN Security Council is expected to convene in the coming days, but observers say any outcome will likely mirror that of 2011, which had included calls for maximum restraint and for Asean to play a more active role in dispute resolution. Still, the referral itself is telling. If countries in the region feel compelled to turn to New York to manage tensions with their neighbours, it reflects a worrying lack of trust in Asean, or in any regional third party, to help defuse a conflict in its own backyard. 'The gap between Asean's aspirational vision and its operational readiness has rarely been this exposed; and I am worried that the current geopolitical contour will make it more frequently exposed,' said Mr Andrew. On July 24, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that he had sent messages to the prime ministers of Cambodia and Thailand, hoping to speak with them personally. Calling the situation worrying, he said that both countries are key members of Asean and close neighbours to Malaysia, adding that he hoped they would de-escalate tensions and return to the negotiating table. Trust a key issue? Some analysts say a key factor holding Asean back is the lack of trust between the parties involved. Asean Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn is Cambodian, and some observers argue that Thailand may not view him as a neutral mediator. A similar impasse occurred in 2008, when Cambodia rejected mediation by then Asean secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan, a veteran Thai diplomat, during border clashes near the Preah Vihear temple. After mediation failed, the conflict simmered without formal resolution, until 2011, when Cambodia turned to the UN following renewed violence at the same border area. However, others say the problem is structural, not personal. Ms Joanne Lin, a senior fellow at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, said the issue lies with Asean's institutional design, not the nationality of its representatives. 'The Secretariat does not have the mandate to lead politically, and decisions must come from member states,' she said, noting how back in 2011, Cambodia had similarly turned to the UN. Eventually, the case went to the International Court of Justice, which ruled in 2013 that Cambodia had sovereignty over the temple and ordered Thai troops to withdraw. That verdict helped ease tensions, but more than a decade on, diplomatic relations between the two neighbours are at their lowest in years. Bilateral channels, said Ms Lin, may no longer be viable. Still, she believes Asean has a narrow window to act. Neutral members like Indonesia or Singapore could potentially step in to broker talks or quietly facilitate de-escalation. In the last bout of fighting between the two countries in 2011 – when Indonesia was the Asean chair – then Indonesian foreign minister Marty Natalegawa undertook shuttle diplomacy to defuse tensions. He held talks with both sides in their respective capitals, and also subsequently met with the UN Security Council alongside the two nations' foreign ministers. With the current ignition of tensions, Ms Lin said, 'if Asean doesn't step up, it risks being sidelined in its own region. China, which has close ties with both countries, has already shown interest in stepping in'. China on July 24 expressed deep concern over the border clashes and offered to play a constructive role in promoting peace, urging both sides to resolve the dispute through dialogue and pledging to remain fair, impartial and supportive of regional stability. Asean would prefer that the two countries resolve the conflict bilaterally, as both are members of the regional organisation. But if that is not possible, they should resolve it peacefully through third-party mediation, said Dr Mustafa Izzuddin, a senior international affairs analyst at business consultancy Solaris Strategies Singapore. However, the non-response from Asean – as of July 24 – signifies 'collective fatigue' on the part of the group in dealing with conflict in the region, he added. The group has faced criticism for its failure to implement the five-point peace plan with Myanmar's military regime, as well as its inability to conclude negotiations on a code of conduct for the South China Sea, aimed at managing tensions amid overlapping maritime claims. 'Asean is acting strategically so that it does not need to bite off more than it can chew as a multilateral organisation with a multitude of interests that are focused on regional integration,' said Dr Mustafa.
Nikkei Asia
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Nikkei Asia
Thai-Cambodia clashes live: Thai acting PM says fighting must stop before talks
BANGKOK -- Border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated significantly with their armies exchanging fire on Thursday, leaving 11 civilians dead in Thailand. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has appealed to the United Nations Security Council to hold an emergency meeting on the issue. Here are two recent Nikkei Asia opinion articles on the crisis: Cambodia seeks justice, not conflict, in border dispute with Thailand Hun Sen's gamble: Why Cambodia ex-ruler turned on Thai ally Thaksin Follow the latest developments in this live blog. (Thailand and Cambodia time) 6 p.m. Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai spoke to reporters after National Security Council and Cabinet meetings. "We condemn this act of violence, which does not comply with international law that has to be strictly adhered to," he said. "We are not declaring war. ... We must try to talk to resolve the issue," he added, "but what happened was that Cambodia kept provoking us." Asked whether the two countries will talk at the government level, Phumtham said: "We must wait for this to stop first, as we weren't the ones to initiate it. If there's sincerity towards each other, then we can talk." 5:30 p.m. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, spokeswoman for the Cambodian Defense Ministry, said in a press conference that Thailand had attacked eight locations in the Cambodian provinces of Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear. She did not say whether there had been any casualties on the Cambodian side of the border. 4:30 p.m. Thailand's Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin said 11 civilians and one soldier had died due to the clashes and 24 injured across the country, based on information available as of 2:15 p.m. "The loss of lives today is unacceptable," he said. 4:20 p.m. Loeung Sophon, a representative for the Cambodian labor NGO Central based in Thailand, told Nikkei Asia that Cambodian migrant workers are even more destabilized by the exit of Cambodian embassy staff on Thursday morning. So far, he estimates that some 50,000 migrant workers have returned to Cambodia since June, ranging from those in construction to vendors and laborers on rubber farms. "Those who are still in Thailand really want to go back," he said. 4 p.m. The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement on the crisis: "We are hopeful our two fellow ASEAN member states will resolve this issue in accordance with international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes," it said. "We urge both parties to extend due consideration and care to innocent civilians who may be affected by the ongoing conflict." 3.50 p.m. Anthony Davis, a Bangkok-based security analyst with Janes - a defense intelligence group, told Nikkei Asia: "It's not very useful to compare total numbers [of both countries' militaries] -- it's not like they're going to be lining up one-on-one along the border to see who has got more guys. This is about equipment, so whether the Thais have 370,000 or 372,000 men under arms is largely irrelevant. "Assuming this escalates -- which is not a given -- this is about equipment more than numbers. "Both belligerents have enough numbers on the ground in the area to make life very uncomfortable for the other side. The question is what can they bring to the fight in terms of hardware, and we've already seen what the Thais can bring -- F-16 jets, which the Cambodians are in no position to counter." 3:40 p.m. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told reporters in Kuala Lumpur that the situation is "concerning." He said he expected to speak to the leaders from Thailand and Cambodia later today. "They are important members of ASEAN. They are very close to Malaysia," Anwar said. "The least you can expect is for them to just stand down and enter into negotiations." He went on to explain that he had the two countries' interests at heart and stressed that both wanted to have a "peaceful and amicable resolution" to the conflict. "Both want to keep ASEAN engaged. And we do precisely that," the prime minister said. "I still think peace is the only option available." 3:29 p.m. Thai Army said in a statement that it "continues to adhere to the principle of limited defensive operations, primarily targeting military objectives." The Thai Army said Cambodia's military action "clearly breaks the Geneva Conventions by using heavy weapons against civilian areas." 3:25 p.m. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand's suspended prime minister, told reporters: "Since the beginning, of course, we didn't want violence. But once it occurred, the military is well-prepared." Regarding the dispute over who struck first, "As usual, they would say we fired first, but we live in a world where there are many tools that can show [the truth] to the world ... Cambodia is only losing its credibility more and more." 3:20 p.m. Former Malaysian senior diplomat Ilango Karuppannan said the Thai-Cambodian conflict "reflects long-standing historical grievances," especially regarding the unresolved border demarcation around the Preah Vihear area. That this is happening under Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship is "a real test of Malaysia's leadership and ASEAN's relevance." "If ASEAN is seen as unable to manage tensions between its own members, it could seriously undermine its credibility and raise doubts about its role in regional peace and stability," he said. Malaysia should consider convening an emergency meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers to urge restraint and encourage both sides to reactivate bilateral mechanisms like the Joint Border Commission, Karuppannan added. He advised Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim personally to reach out to leaders of both countries to encourage de-escalation. "Alternatively, he may choose to appoint a trusted envoy to carry this out discreetly." 3 p.m. China says it is deeply concerned about the latest developments and hopes both sides will resolve the conflict through dialogue and consultation. "Thailand and Cambodia are both China's friendly neighbors and important members of ASEAN," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiajun tells reporters, adding that China is willing to play a role in de-escalating the situation. 2:50 p.m. On its Facebook page the Royal Thai Army has invited Thais to post on social media, adding the hashtags #CambodiaShootsFirst #ThailandLovesPeaceButWhenItComesToWar,WeAreNotCowardly and #CambodiaOpenedFire 2:45 p.m. Some Cambodian residents in Oddar Meanchey province -- the Cambodian side of the disputed Ta Moan Thom temple area -- started evacuating, according to local news outlet Kiripost. In neighboring Banteay Meanchey province, the site of bordertown and casino hub Poipet city, some residents say they packed bags to be ready if they need to flee. 2:40 p.m. Cambodia's Defense Ministry laid out a different scenario from its Thai counterparts, claiming that Thai military activity started first. Ministry spokeswoman Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said in a statement that Thailand started the latest clash by ascending a path to Ta Moan Thom Temple and placed barbed wire around the base at 6:30 a.m. She said Thai forces flew a drone for about two minutes at 7:04 a.m. "Then, at 8:30 AM, they opened fire, and by 8:46 AM, Thai invading forces had initiated an armed assault on Cambodian troops stationed at Ta Moan Thom Temple." Cambodian troops returned fire at 8:47 a.m., the statement says, describing the move as the country's right to defend itself. Fighting expanded later in the morning to the Ta Krabey Temple near Ta Moan Thom, the Phnom Khmao area in a separate area, and then a Thai F16 fighter jet dropped two bombs on a road leading to Wat Kaew Seekha Kiri Svarak Pagoda. The statement asks the international community to condemn the incident as an aggression by Thai forces, and asks residents not to share unverified information, images or videos. 2:30 p.m. Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap confirmed that the Thai Air Force's six F-16 fighter jets have successfully completed an operation to support the army on the ground and returned to base. The army's regional command posted on Facebook that the Air Force has attacked two brigade headquarters of Cambodia around 11 a.m. 2:30 p.m. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra posted on X: "Today, Hun Sen ordered the shooting into Thai territory early in the morning, firing first after laying bomb traps along the border, which is considered a violation of international law and the ethics of living together as good neighbors. "Thailand has exercised patience and restraint, fully adhering to international law and fulfilling its duties as a good neighbor," he added. "From now on, Thai soldiers can respond according to strategic plans, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can rightfully implement various measures." 2:15 p.m. The Royal Thai Army has just announced that nine Thai civilians have been killed as a result of the clashes. Six of the fatalities were in Sisaket province, two in Surin province and one in Ubon Ratchathani province. The deadliest incident was in Sisaket province when a gas station exploded, causing six deaths and 10 injuries. A further 14 civilians have been injured, the army says in a statement. 2:00 p.m. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet says that he wrote a letter to the United Nation's Security Council president, seeking an urgent meeting over the clash "to stop Thailand's aggression." In the letter to Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan and Security Council president for July, Hun Manet directs frustration toward Thailand, citing the clash this morning, as well as Thailand's attempts to characterize landmine explosions as new acts of aggressions by Cambodia. "This military escalation takes place in spite of regional and international appeals for restraint and peaceful solutions and Cambodia's demonstrated commitment to dialogue," he wrote, noting that Cambodia had sent the case to the International Court of Justice since June 6 and then hosted a bilateral dialogue in Phnom Penh on June 14 and 15. Meanwhile, Cambodia's Foreign Affairs Ministry condemns the attack, which it calls an "unprovoked premeditated and deliberate attacks on Cambodian positions along the border areas." The ministry characterized the clash as a "reckless and hostile act by Thailand," the ministry says. 1:50 p.m. Here's a brief background on why the Thai-Cambodia border is contested. The two neighbors have a long history of border disputes, which center on a disagreement over the Preah Vihear temple, to which Thailand lays claim, and the surrounding area. The issue routinely stirs up nationalistic sentiments in both countries. The controversy stems from a 1907 border treaty between France and Siam -- present-day Thailand -- that placed the Preah Vihear temple in Cambodian territory. The French used a watershed between the two countries to draw the border. However, Thailand contested French maps in the 1930s and occupied the temple complex in 1954. In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the temple complex belonged to Cambodia but did not rule on other contested land. From 2008 to 2011, the two countries routinely engaged in cross-border firings near the Preah Vihear temple complex, resulting in large military deployments from both sides in 2011. The issue once again reached the ICJ, which reaffirmed its 1962 ruling in 2013. In addition, back in 2003, a popular Thai actress said in a Thai TV interview that she hated Cambodia for stealing her Angkor Wat, according to the Cambodia Daily newspaper. Some Cambodians were angered by this, and rioters set fire to the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh. For more information, read our previous explainer, published last month. 1:45 p.m. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet had a lengthy military career. He joined the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) in 1995 and four years later became the first Cambodian to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He rose steadily through the ranks, becoming a major general in 2011 and deputy commander in chief of the RCAF in 2019. His postings included leading the counterterrorism team and deputy chief of the prime minister's bodyguard unit. He was promoted to the highest rank, four-star general, in 2023, shortly before he replaced his father Hun Sen as prime minister. 1:15 p.m. Thailand's foreign ministry issues a statement, urging Cambodia to "cease its repeated acts which constitute a severe violation of international law." Thailand "is prepared to intensify our self-defense measures if Cambodia persists in its armed attack and violations upon Thailand's sovereignty in accordance with international law and principles," the ministry says. 12:30 p.m. Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, spokesperson of Thailand's ad hoc center for the border situation, tells reporters in a press briefing that there have been three serious injuries, including a five-year-old boy, and one death has been reported in the Phanom Dong Rak border community in Surin province. The ad hoc center has elevated the security measures from Level 2 to Level 4, which involves the complete closure of all border checkpoints along the Thai Cambodian border, Surasant says. "The Cambodian side has deployed heavy weapons such as BM-21 multiple rocket launchers and 122 millimeter artillery, causing damage to Thai civilian homes and public facilities along the border," he says. 12:30 p.m. Cambodia's defense ministry said in a statement that it "strongly condemns the reckless and brutal military aggression" of Thailand, Reuters reports. 11:55 a.m. Tataya Sattapanon, deputy mayor of the border district of Tambon Ta Muen in Thailand, tells Nikkei on the phone that she is currently in a bunker near her home, together with her neighbors. "I cannot go to the prepared evacuation center because artillery fire from Cambodia is still coming," she says. She says she learned from social media that one hit near the Phnom Dongrak Hospital and another hit a 7-Eleven store. "We are still hearing sounds of artillery explosions." 11:30 a.m. Thailand's deputy defense minister, Gen. Nattapol Nakphanit, pledges that the Thai army will protect Thailand's sovereignty. "Thai people throughout the country, please be assured that the Thai army will protect our sovereignty and will not allow anyone to encroach on our territory," he says at Government House. "We will not endure anymore because this is the action of the Cambodian military that we cannot accept. We ask the people to give encouragement to the personnel who are on duty along the border, especially in the area of the 2nd Army."
GMA Network
4 hours ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
PH calls for peaceful settlement of disputes between Thailand and Cambodia
The Philippines on Thursday called on Thailand and Cambodia to settle their conflict peacefully under international law as border disputes between the two Southeast Asian neighbors escalate. Manila also urged both sides "to extend due consideration and care to innocent civilians who may be affected by the ongoing conflict." "We are hopeful our two fellow ASEAN member states will resolve this issue in accordance with international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes," the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. At least 12 Thais, mostly civilians, were reported killed as clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops at a disputed border rage on. Thailand accused Cambodia of firing rockets into a Thai village, while Thailand launched airstrikes on key Cambodian military sites. Relations between the Southeast Asian neighbors have deteriorated after a Cambodian soldier was killed during an armed confrontation in an area both countries claim. The two also downgraded diplomatic relations by recalling their respective ambassadors in each other's countries. Manila said it does not take any position on the dispute but called on the two nations to maintain "open lines of communication and ensure the de-escalation of the situation." Cambodia, Thailand, and the Philippines are part of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which also includes Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. The DFA, meanwhile, said it is monitoring the situation and is ready to extend all possible assistance to Filipinos living in these two countries if necessary. No Filipinos have been affected by the conflict, it said. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
Nikkei Asia
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Nikkei Asia
Thai-Cambodia clashes live: Thai government says 11 civilians killed
BANGKOK -- Border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated significantly with their armies exchanging fire on Thursday, leaving 11 civilians dead in Thailand. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has appealed to the United Nations Security Council to hold an emergency meeting on the issue. Here are two recent Nikkei Asia opinion articles on the crisis: Cambodia seeks justice, not conflict, in border dispute with Thailand Hun Sen's gamble: Why Cambodia ex-ruler turned on Thai ally Thaksin Follow the latest developments in this live blog. (Thailand and Cambodia time) 4:30 p.m. Thailand's Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin said 11 civilians had died due to the clashes and 24 injured across the country, based on information available as of 2:15 p.m. "The loss of lives today is unacceptable," he said. 4:20 p.m. Loeung Sophon, a representative for the Cambodian labor NGO Central based in Thailand, told Nikkei Asia that Cambodian migrant workers are even more destabilized by the exit of Cambodian embassy staff on Thursday morning. So far, he estimates that some 50,000 migrant workers have returned to Cambodia since June, ranging from those in construction to vendors and laborers on rubber farms. "Those who are still in Thailand really want to go back," he said. 4 p.m. The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement on the crisis: "We are hopeful our two fellow ASEAN member states will resolve this issue in accordance with international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes," it said. "We urge both parties to extend due consideration and care to innocent civilians who may be affected by the ongoing conflict." 3.50 p.m. Anthony Davis, a Bangkok-based security analyst with Janes - a defense intelligence group, told Nikkei Asia: "It's not very useful to compare total numbers [of both countries' militaries] -- it's not like they're going to be lining up one-on-one along the border to see who has got more guys. This is about equipment, so whether the Thais have 370,000 or 372,000 men under arms is largely irrelevant. "Assuming this escalates -- which is not a given -- this is about equipment more than numbers. "Both belligerents have enough numbers on the ground in the area to make life very uncomfortable for the other side. The question is what can they bring to the fight in terms of hardware, and we've already seen what the Thais can bring -- F-16 jets, which the Cambodians are in no position to counter." 3:40 p.m. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told reporters in Kuala Lumpur that the situation is "concerning." He said he expected to speak to the leaders from Thailand and Cambodia later today. "They are important members of ASEAN. They are very close to Malaysia," Anwar said. "The least you can expect is for them to just stand down and enter into negotiations." He went on to explain that he had the two countries' interests at heart and stressed that both wanted to have a "peaceful and amicable resolution" to the conflict. "Both want to keep ASEAN engaged. And we do precisely that," the prime minister said. "I still think peace is the only option available." 3:29 p.m. Thai Army said in a statement that it "continues to adhere to the principle of limited defensive operations, primarily targeting military objectives." The Thai Army said Cambodia's military action "clearly breaks the Geneva Conventions by using heavy weapons against civilian areas." 3:25 p.m. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand's suspended prime minister, told reporters: "Since the beginning, of course, we didn't want violence. But once it occurred, the military is well-prepared." Regarding the dispute over who struck first, "As usual, they would say we fired first, but we live in a world where there are many tools that can show [the truth] to the world ... Cambodia is only losing its credibility more and more." 3:20 p.m. Former Malaysian senior diplomat Ilango Karuppannan said the Thai-Cambodian conflict "reflects long-standing historical grievances," especially regarding the unresolved border demarcation around the Preah Vihear area. That this is happening under Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship is "a real test of Malaysia's leadership and ASEAN's relevance." "If ASEAN is seen as unable to manage tensions between its own members, it could seriously undermine its credibility and raise doubts about its role in regional peace and stability," he said. Malaysia should consider convening an emergency meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers to urge restraint and encourage both sides to reactivate bilateral mechanisms like the Joint Border Commission, Karuppannan added. He advised Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim personally to reach out to leaders of both countries to encourage de-escalation. "Alternatively, he may choose to appoint a trusted envoy to carry this out discreetly." 3 p.m. China says it is deeply concerned about the latest developments and hopes both sides will resolve the conflict through dialogue and consultation. "Thailand and Cambodia are both China's friendly neighbors and important members of ASEAN," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiajun tells reporters, adding that China is willing to play a role in de-escalating the situation. 2:50 p.m. On its Facebook page the Royal Thai Army has invited Thais to post on social media, adding the hashtags #CambodiaShootsFirst #ThailandLovesPeaceButWhenItComesToWar,WeAreNotCowardly and #CambodiaOpenedFire 2:45 p.m. Some Cambodian residents in Oddar Meanchey province -- the Cambodian side of the disputed Ta Moan Thom temple area -- started evacuating, according to local news outlet Kiripost. In neighboring Banteay Meanchey province, the site of bordertown and casino hub Poipet city, some residents say they packed bags to be ready if they need to flee. 2:40 p.m. Cambodia's Defense Ministry laid out a different scenario from its Thai counterparts, claiming that Thai military activity started first. Ministry spokeswoman Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said in a statement that Thailand started the latest clash by ascending a path to Ta Moan Thom Temple and placed barbed wire around the base at 6:30 a.m. She said Thai forces flew a drone for about two minutes at 7:04 a.m. "Then, at 8:30 AM, they opened fire, and by 8:46 AM, Thai invading forces had initiated an armed assault on Cambodian troops stationed at Ta Moan Thom Temple." Cambodian troops returned fire at 8:47 a.m., the statement says, describing the move as the country's right to defend itself. Fighting expanded later in the morning to the Ta Krabey Temple near Ta Moan Thom, the Phnom Khmao area in a separate area, and then a Thai F16 fighter jet dropped two bombs on a road leading to Wat Kaew Seekha Kiri Svarak Pagoda. The statement asks the international community to condemn the incident as an aggression by Thai forces, and asks residents not to share unverified information, images or videos. 2:30 p.m. Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap confirmed that the Thai Air Force's six F-16 fighter jets have successfully completed an operation to support the army on the ground and returned to base. The army's regional command posted on Facebook that the Air Force has attacked two brigade headquarters of Cambodia around 11 a.m. 2:30 p.m. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra posted on X: "Today, Hun Sen ordered the shooting into Thai territory early in the morning, firing first after laying bomb traps along the border, which is considered a violation of international law and the ethics of living together as good neighbors. "Thailand has exercised patience and restraint, fully adhering to international law and fulfilling its duties as a good neighbor," he added. "From now on, Thai soldiers can respond according to strategic plans, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can rightfully implement various measures." 2:15 p.m. The Royal Thai Army has just announced that nine Thai civilians have been killed as a result of the clashes. Six of the fatalities were in Sisaket province, two in Surin province and one in Ubon Ratchathani province. The deadliest incident was in Sisaket province when a gas station exploded, causing six deaths and 10 injuries. A further 14 civilians have been injured, the army says in a statement. 2:00 p.m. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet says that he wrote a letter to the United Nation's Security Council president, seeking an urgent meeting over the clash "to stop Thailand's aggression." In the letter to Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan and Security Council president for July, Hun Manet directs frustration toward Thailand, citing the clash this morning, as well as Thailand's attempts to characterize landmine explosions as new acts of aggressions by Cambodia. "This military escalation takes place in spite of regional and international appeals for restraint and peaceful solutions and Cambodia's demonstrated commitment to dialogue," he wrote, noting that Cambodia had sent the case to the International Court of Justice since June 6 and then hosted a bilateral dialogue in Phnom Penh on June 14 and 15. Meanwhile, Cambodia's Foreign Affairs Ministry condemns the attack, which it calls an "unprovoked premeditated and deliberate attacks on Cambodian positions along the border areas." The ministry characterized the clash as a "reckless and hostile act by Thailand," the ministry says. 1:50 p.m. Here's a brief background on why the Thai-Cambodia border is contested. The two neighbors have a long history of border disputes, which center on a disagreement over the Preah Vihear temple, to which Thailand lays claim, and the surrounding area. The issue routinely stirs up nationalistic sentiments in both countries. The controversy stems from a 1907 border treaty between France and Siam -- present-day Thailand -- that placed the Preah Vihear temple in Cambodian territory. The French used a watershed between the two countries to draw the border. However, Thailand contested French maps in the 1930s and occupied the temple complex in 1954. In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the temple complex belonged to Cambodia but did not rule on other contested land. From 2008 to 2011, the two countries routinely engaged in cross-border firings near the Preah Vihear temple complex, resulting in large military deployments from both sides in 2011. The issue once again reached the ICJ, which reaffirmed its 1962 ruling in 2013. In addition, back in 2003, a popular Thai actress said in a Thai TV interview that she hated Cambodia for stealing her Angkor Wat, according to the Cambodia Daily newspaper. Some Cambodians were angered by this, and rioters set fire to the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh. For more information, read our previous explainer, published last month. 1:45 p.m. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet had a lengthy military career. He joined the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) in 1995 and four years later became the first Cambodian to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He rose steadily through the ranks, becoming a major general in 2011 and deputy commander in chief of the RCAF in 2019. His postings included leading the counterterrorism team and deputy chief of the prime minister's bodyguard unit. He was promoted to the highest rank, four-star general, in 2023, shortly before he replaced his father Hun Sen as prime minister. 1:15 p.m. Thailand's foreign ministry issues a statement, urging Cambodia to "cease its repeated acts which constitute a severe violation of international law." Thailand "is prepared to intensify our self-defense measures if Cambodia persists in its armed attack and violations upon Thailand's sovereignty in accordance with international law and principles," the ministry says. 12:30 p.m. Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, spokesperson of Thailand's ad hoc center for the border situation, tells reporters in a press briefing that there have been three serious injuries, including a five-year-old boy, and one death has been reported in the Phanom Dong Rak border community in Surin province. The ad hoc center has elevated the security measures from Level 2 to Level 4, which involves the complete closure of all border checkpoints along the Thai Cambodian border, Surasant says. "The Cambodian side has deployed heavy weapons such as BM-21 multiple rocket launchers and 122 millimeter artillery, causing damage to Thai civilian homes and public facilities along the border," he says. 12:30 p.m. Cambodia's defense ministry said in a statement that it "strongly condemns the reckless and brutal military aggression" of Thailand, Reuters reports. 11:55 a.m. Tataya Sattapanon, deputy mayor of the border district of Tambon Ta Muen in Thailand, tells Nikkei on the phone that she is currently in a bunker near her home, together with her neighbors. "I cannot go to the prepared evacuation center because artillery fire from Cambodia is still coming," she says. She says she learned from social media that one hit near the Phnom Dongrak Hospital and another hit a 7-Eleven store. "We are still hearing sounds of artillery explosions." 11:30 a.m. Thailand's deputy defense minister, Gen. Nattapol Nakphanit, pledges that the Thai army will protect Thailand's sovereignty. "Thai people throughout the country, please be assured that the Thai army will protect our sovereignty and will not allow anyone to encroach on our territory," he says at Government House. "We will not endure anymore because this is the action of the Cambodian military that we cannot accept. We ask the people to give encouragement to the personnel who are on duty along the border, especially in the area of the 2nd Army."
