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The Hindu
02-08-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Nationalist agendas fuelled the border fight between Thailand and Cambodia
On the morning of July 24, Thai and Cambodian troops clashed at multiple locations along their 800-km border. Following five days of fighting that resulted in 43 deaths (including civilians) and the displacement of more than 300,000 people, both sides arrived at a ceasefire that took effect on July 29. Mediated by ASEAN chair Malaysia, with help from China, and under the looming threat of U.S. tariffs, the truce appeared to largely hold despite claims of breach by both parties. After the agreement came Cambodia's call on July 31 for the release of its 20 soldiers detained for crossing into Thai-held territory after the truce. Bangkok has acceded, but only upon the fulfilment of legal procedures — proof that the peace deal, despite putting a temporary halt to the fighting, is a minor respite at best. For the roots of the conflict can be traced back to pre-colonial times; and with domestic politics, international scam centres and nationalism coming to the mix, multiple interests are at stake, complicating matters further. Rise of tensions Prior to the latest clashes was the May 28 incident in which a Cambodian soldier was killed. Tensions ran high, forcing the then-Thai Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to ring up strongman and Cambodia's former Premier Hun Sen on June 15 to placate the situation. As a leaked version of their conversation showed, Ms. Paetongtarn, whose family shares close ties with the Cambodian leader, sounded deferential by referring to him as 'uncle' and labelling a Thai military General as 'opponent'. The ensuing fallout, which cost Ms. Paetongtarn her job, is widely believed to have been orchestrated by Mr. Hun Sen to deflect attention from the international cyberscam centres operating in his country. Apart from inviting global scrutiny, these scam offices are also alleged to be run by the Cambodian government's allies and possess links to China — Phnom Penh's biggest benefactor. Another incentive for Mr. Hun Sen to stir the pot is to whip up nationalist sentiments and boost the credentials of his son Hun Manet, sworn to office in 2024, 33 years after his father relinquished power. For Mr. Hun Sen — who once called Ms. Paetongtarn's father and former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra his 'god brother' — Thailand, with its delicate political landscape owing to the presence of the monarchy and the military, presents itself as a soft target. Separately, Mr. Hun Sen is also accused by his opponents of adopting a soft stance towards Vietnam, whose Army in 1979 overthrew the Khmer Rouge and installed the 72-year-old Cambodian People's Party in power. Also on Mr. Hun Sen's mind is the Thai government's proposed casino legalisation Bill, which may adversely impact Cambodia's gambling sector. Thus, bringing down the Shinawatras' Pheu Thai party is a one-stop solution to all his problems and seemed plausible too, given that, with Ms. Paetongtarn suspended from duty and Mr. Thaksin facinglese majestecharges for 'insulting the monarchy', the Shinawatras are already out of favour with the Thai citizens. Nationalist rhetoric However, nationalist rhetoric is not restricted to Cambodia alone but is an overarching sentiment in Thailand, too. A 2003 remark by a Thai actress, in which she said Cambodia had 'stolen' Angkor Wat and that she would not visit the country until the monument was returned, sparked anti-Thai riots. Taken in isolation, the statement may not carry much weight. But when placed in the larger context, it reflects the overall mood of a country, which, while priding itself as the only one in the region to be not subjected to Western colonisation, still perceives itself as a victim. This is because history has been equally unkind to both Cambodia and Thailand. Between the 7th century and the 14th century, the Khmer Empire ruled over a vast tract of the mainland in Southeast Asia. During its heyday in the 12th century, the Khmer empire comprised Cambodia as well as parts of present-day northeastern Thailand and southern Vietnam. The power structure was based on the Mandala system, which consisted of concentric circles of centre-peripheral relations. Weak territoriality and a loose central authority marked the setup, writes Path Kosal in a chapter in the book,Cambodia's Foreign Relations in Regional and Global Contexts. This ensured that Angkor kings were able to rule unchallenged over their allies and vassals who presided over the periphery independently. Trouble began to brew for the Khmer empire from the time of Angkor's fall in 1431. It faced threats from Siam (Thailand), which began conquering land from the northeast, and Annam (Vietnam) from the southeast; to the point that King Norodom turned Cambodia into a French protectorate in 1863 in the hope of security. While Cambodia's apprehensions of shrinking boundaries and constant threats have roots in pre-colonial times, Thailand's fears partially stem from the happenings that followed the establishment of the French protectorate. Though the multiple treaties signed between the French and Siamese in 1904 and 1907 serve as the bases for the present-day border between Cambodia and Thailand, many discrepancies exist to date; one of the prime examples being the tussle over the Preah Vihear temple — a 12th-century monument claimed by both countries. While the temple and a 1 sq. km area around it were ruled in Cambodia's favour by the International Court of Justice, a 4.6 sq. km patch near it is still contested territory. The verdict spurred a conflict between the two nations over the area in 2011, resulting in 28 casualties, including both military personnel and civilians. Preah Vihear is merely emblematic of the crisis. Similar temples, such as the Ta Moan Thom around which the latest shootout transpired, exist as bones of contention. The temples were built during the reign of the Khmer Empire. As is the case with empires, they rise and fall. And wars fought among the neighbouring kingdoms have seen the borders shift and temples change ownership. Like in many other conflicts, here too, the fire may have been lit during the time of conquests and colonialism. However, the nationalists and the ruling class of both countries – Cambodia has an authoritarian regime and Thailand's is a coup-prone establishment — have seen to it that the flames were fanned throughout history to suit them.
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Who are the five Thai hostages released by Hamas as part of the ceasefire in Gaza?
BANGKOK (AP) — Five Thai nationals held hostage by Hamas since its attack on Israel returned home on Sunday after their release from captivity last month. The group was the second batch of 31 Thai hostages released so far since the war broke out on Oct. 7, 2023. During an earlier ceasefire in November 2023, 23 Thai nationals were released in a deal negotiated between Thailand and Hamas, with assistance from Qatar and Iran. Two others were confirmed dead and the status of one remaining person is not clear. Thais were the largest group of foreigners held captive by Hamas militants. Many of the Thai agricultural workers lived in compounds on the outskirts of southern Israeli kibbutzim and towns, and Hamas militants overran those places first. A total of 46 Thais have been killed during the conflict, according to Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. In the early days after the Oct. 7 attack, then-Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in phone conversations to assist the Thai hostages. These are the latest Thai nationals to have been freed. Watchara Sriaoun, 33 In the Oct. 7 attack, militants overran the compound where agricultural workers lived on Kibbutz Nir Oz. Of the 16 Thai workers living there, 11 were killed and five, including Watchara Sriaoun, were abducted. They were among at least 31 Thai workers taken in the assault. During the November 2023 ceasefire, 23 were released in a deal negotiated between Thailand and Hamas, with assistance from Qatar and Iran. Sathian Suwannakham, 35 Sathian Suwannakham was also taken from Nir Oz. The kibbutz has continued to advocate for the release of the Thai workers by posting regularly about them on social media. Sathian told Thai officials he had been working in a chicken farm for about four years when he was taken hostage, according to an official news release. About 30,000 Thais were working in Israel when the war started, according to the Thai Foreign Ministry, the vast majority in agriculture. About 5,000 lived in the southern area near the border with Gaza. Surasak Rumnao, 32 Surasak Rumnao was abducted from the town of Yesha, near the southern Gaza Strip. His mother, Khammee Lamnao, said the Thai embassy in Israel informed her that her son would be released. 'I cannot wait to see my son,' the 53-year-old said. 'I've been waiting for him.' Surasak had been working in the agricultural sector in Israel for 15 months when he was taken hostage. Pongsak Thaenna, 36 Pongsak Thaenna was also taken from Yesha. He had been working in Israel since 2016. 'It felt like I died and I was reborn,' he said in an interview video distributed by Thai officials. 'I really want to see my daughter.' His father, Wilas Thaenna, wept after receiving a call to say his son had been freed. 'I never thought this day would come,' the 65-year-old told the BBC. 'I don't know how to explain how I got through all that happened. My son was taken captive, I lost my wife, I had to stay strong." Bannawat Saethao, 27 Bannawat Saethao was also abducted from the town of Yesha. The youngest of his three children was just one month old when he was taken hostage, according to reports. 'I'm so relieved,' he said in the video handout from Thai officials. 'When I was there, I never knew if I'd ever get to return home.'
The Independent
09-02-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Who are the five Thai hostages released by Hamas as part of the ceasefire in Gaza?
Five Thai nationals held hostage by Hamas since its attack on Israel returned home on Sunday after their release from captivity last month. The group was the second batch of 31 Thai hostages released so far since the war broke out on Oct. 7, 2023. During an earlier ceasefire in November 2023, 23 Thai nationals were released in a deal negotiated between Thailand and Hamas, with assistance from Qatar and Iran. Two others were confirmed dead and the status of one remaining person is not clear. Thais were the largest group of foreigners held captive by Hamas militants. Many of the Thai agricultural workers lived in compounds on the outskirts of southern Israeli kibbutzim and towns, and Hamas militants overran those places first. A total of 46 Thais have been killed during the conflict, according to Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the early days after the Oct. 7 attack, then-Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in phone conversations to assist the Thai hostages. These are the latest Thai nationals to have been freed. Watchara Sriaoun, 33 In the Oct. 7 attack, militants overran the compound where agricultural workers lived on Kibbutz Nir Oz. Of the 16 Thai workers living there, 11 were killed and five, including Watchara Sriaoun, were abducted. They were among at least 31 Thai workers taken in the assault. During the November 2023 ceasefire, 23 were released in a deal negotiated between Thailand and Hamas, with assistance from Qatar and Iran. Sathian Suwannakham, 35 Sathian Suwannakham was also taken from Nir Oz. The kibbutz has continued to advocate for the release of the Thai workers by posting regularly about them on social media. Sathian told Thai officials he had been working in a chicken farm for about four years when he was taken hostage, according to an official news release. About 30,000 Thais were working in Israel when the war started, according to the Thai Foreign Ministry, the vast majority in agriculture. About 5,000 lived in the southern area near the border with Gaza. Surasak Rumnao, 32 Surasak Rumnao was abducted from the town of Yesha, near the southern Gaza Strip. His mother, Khammee Lamnao, said the Thai embassy in Israel informed her that her son would be released. 'I cannot wait to see my son,' the 53-year-old said. 'I've been waiting for him.' Surasak had been working in the agricultural sector in Israel for 15 months when he was taken hostage. Pongsak Thaenna, 36 Pongsak Thaenna was also taken from Yesha. He had been working in Israel since 2016. 'It felt like I died and I was reborn,' he said in an interview video distributed by Thai officials. 'I really want to see my daughter.' His father, Wilas Thaenna, wept after receiving a call to say his son had been freed. 'I never thought this day would come,' the 65-year-old told the BBC. 'I don't know how to explain how I got through all that happened. My son was taken captive, I lost my wife, I had to stay strong." Bannawat Saethao, 27 Bannawat Saethao was also abducted from the town of Yesha. The youngest of his three children was just one month old when he was taken hostage, according to reports. 'I'm so relieved,' he said in the video handout from Thai officials. 'When I was there, I never knew if I'd ever get to return home.'
Associated Press
09-02-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Who are the five Thai hostages released by Hamas as part of the ceasefire in Gaza?
BANGKOK (AP) — Five Thai nationals held hostage by Hamas since its attack on Israel returned home on Sunday after their release from captivity last month. The group was the second batch of 31 Thai hostages released so far since the war broke out on Oct. 7, 2023. During an earlier ceasefire in November 2023, 23 Thai nationals were released in a deal negotiated between Thailand and Hamas, with assistance from Qatar and Iran. Two others were confirmed dead and the status of one remaining person is not clear. Thais were the largest group of foreigners held captive by Hamas militants. Many of the Thai agricultural workers lived in compounds on the outskirts of southern Israeli kibbutzim and towns, and Hamas militants overran those places first. A total of 46 Thais have been killed during the conflict, according to Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the early days after the Oct. 7 attack, then-Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in phone conversations to assist the Thai hostages. These are the latest Thai nationals to have been freed. Watchara Sriaoun, 33 In the Oct. 7 attack, militants overran the compound where agricultural workers lived on Kibbutz Nir Oz. Of the 16 Thai workers living there, 11 were killed and five, including Watchara Sriaoun, were abducted. They were among at least 31 Thai workers taken in the assault. During the November 2023 ceasefire, 23 were released in a deal negotiated between Thailand and Hamas, with assistance from Qatar and Iran. Sathian Suwannakham, 35 Sathian Suwannakham was also taken from Nir Oz. The kibbutz has continued to advocate for the release of the Thai workers by posting regularly about them on social media. Sathian told Thai officials he had been working in a chicken farm for about four years when he was taken hostage, according to an official news release. About 30,000 Thais were working in Israel when the war started, according to the Thai Foreign Ministry, the vast majority in agriculture. About 5,000 lived in the southern area near the border with Gaza. Surasak Rumnao, 32 Surasak Rumnao was abducted from the town of Yesha, near the southern Gaza Strip. His mother, Khammee Lamnao, said the Thai embassy in Israel informed her that her son would be released. 'I cannot wait to see my son,' the 53-year-old said. 'I've been waiting for him.' Surasak had been working in the agricultural sector in Israel for 15 months when he was taken hostage. Pongsak Thaenna, 36 Pongsak Thaenna was also taken from Yesha. He had been working in Israel since 2016. 'It felt like I died and I was reborn,' he said in an interview video distributed by Thai officials. 'I really want to see my daughter.' His father, Wilas Thaenna, wept after receiving a call to say his son had been freed. 'I never thought this day would come,' the 65-year-old told the BBC. 'I don't know how to explain how I got through all that happened. My son was taken captive, I lost my wife, I had to stay strong.' Bannawat Saethao, 27 Bannawat Saethao was also abducted from the town of Yesha. The youngest of his three children was just one month old when he was taken hostage, according to reports. 'I'm so relieved,' he said in the video handout from Thai officials. 'When I was there, I never knew if I'd ever get to return home.'
