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Focus Malaysia
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Safeguarding ASEAN peace amid superpower rivalry
THE recent ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, brokered by Malaysia in its role as ASEAN Chair, is a critical step in regional peace-building. The deal, which took effect at midnight on July 28, 2025, was announced following high-level talks in Putrajaya, where Malaysia brought both parties together for urgent dialogue. This development comes as a much-needed de-escalation after renewed clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border, which have long been a flashpoint for nationalist tension and military posturing. Malaysia's leadership in the process has once again demonstrated its unique role in Southeast Asia as a credible mediator, committed to regional stability and peaceful dialogue. This role is not new as Malaysia has previously played a significant part in resolving long-standing internal conflicts in both southern Thailand and Mindanao in the Philippines. In southern Thailand, where ethnic Malay-Muslim insurgents have waged a low-intensity rebellion in the Patani region since the early 2000s, Malaysia has facilitated peace talks between insurgent groups such as the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) and the Thai government. While these talks have not yet produced a final resolution, they have created channels of communication and periods of reduced violence. Malaysia's involvement is seen as both culturally and geographically appropriate, given its shared ethnic and religious ties with the southern Thai provinces. The Malaysian government has used this proximity to build trust with insurgent leaders while maintaining diplomatic relations with the Thai state. This balancing act has helped prevent further regionalisation of the conflict and reflects a model of conflict management that is pragmatic and sensitive to local dynamics. Similarly, in Mindanao, Malaysia played a pivotal role in the peace process between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Acting as a neutral facilitator, Malaysia hosted peace talks that led to the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in 2014, ending decades of armed struggle. Malaysia also led the International Monitoring Team (IMT) that ensured compliance with the ceasefire and supported confidence-building between the parties. This initiative remains one of the most successful examples of ASEAN-led mediation, offering a model of how persistent diplomacy, regional ownership, and non-coercive facilitation can bring sustainable results. Malaysia's role in these peace processes gives it not only experience but also moral authority in mediating the current Thailand-Cambodia standoff. The ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, while bilateral in nature, has broader regional implications. It comes at a time when the Indo-Pacific is under increasing strain due to the strategic rivalry between the United States (US) and China. Their trade war and military posturing, especially in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, have heightened geopolitical tension across Southeast Asia. ASEAN, situated at the crossroads of these global currents, faces the real risk of its internal conflicts becoming arenas for proxy competition. Localised disputes like the one between Thailand and Cambodia can quickly draw in external powers, either through military cooperation, economic leverage, or political influence. This is why the question of whether the US and China should be included, at least as observers in ceasefire verification or implementation mechanisms is both relevant and delicate. On the one hand, ASEAN has always prioritised regional solutions to regional problems, emphasising non-interference and consensus. However, as seen during the Vietnam War and throughout the Cold War, Southeast Asian conflicts can easily be co-opted by larger global struggles. Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam all experienced devastating consequences when superpowers used their territory for ideological and strategic contests. The lesson for today's ASEAN is clear: excluding great powers entirely may not insulate the region; instead, it may create a vacuum that invites unilateral action or covert influence. Therefore, ASEAN should consider limited, clearly defined roles for external powers in regional peace processes. Their inclusion such as in observer or technical advisory capacities, can serve as a transparency mechanism that reassures all parties and limits behind-the-scenes manoeuvring. However, the process must remain under ASEAN's leadership to preserve regional autonomy. Malaysia, as Chair, must lead in crafting a ceasefire verification and monitoring system that includes input from ASEAN dialogue partners without ceding control. This balance is critical to ensuring that peace efforts are not hijacked by competing agendas. Malaysia's diplomatic credibility, built over years of involvement in Mindanao and southern Thailand, gives it a strategic advantage in guiding ASEAN through this challenge. Its current stewardship of the Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire provides a chance to set a precedent: regional conflict resolution must not only address immediate violence but also anticipate the strategic consequences of great power rivalry. The ceasefire monitoring mission, coordinated by Malaysia, should serve not only to ensure compliance but also to reaffirm ASEAN's role as a stabilising force in the Indo-Pacific. Ultimately, the Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire should be seen as more than a bilateral agreement as it is a test of ASEAN's ability to safeguard its region from becoming a pawn in a global contest. By learning from its own successes in Mindanao and southern Thailand, and by navigating the pressures of US-China competition with strategic foresight, ASEAN can protect its vision of a peaceful, independent Southeast Asia. Malaysia, with its proven mediation track record, must ensure that this vision does not falter under the weight of global tensions. ‒ July 30, 2025 R. Paneir Selvam is the principal consultant of Arunachala Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd, a think tank specialising in strategic national and geopolitical matters. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Reuters
Nikkei Asia
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Nikkei Asia
Violence in Thailand's deep south likely to escalate, separatist warns
Soldiers patrol Tak Bai town in Narathiwat province in Thailand's deep south region. Independent monitors say over 7,700 people have been killed in separatist-related violence since 2004. (Photo by Getty Images) AMY CHEW KUALA LUMPUR -- Violence in Thailand's troubled deep south is expected to escalate following the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra as peace talks are now "extremely difficult" to convene, a senior member of the separatist Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) has warned. The deep south, which refers to the Muslim-majority southern provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat in predominantly Buddhist Thailand, has experienced a marked increase in violent incidents since early 2025 following stalled peace talks between the government and the BRN.
7NEWS
01-07-2025
- 7NEWS
Smartraveller issues terror warning for Australians heading to Thailand after seizure of explosives
The discovery of explosive devices in Thailand tourist areas has sparked a warning about the 'ongoing' terror risks in one of Australia's most popular travel destinations. Security has been tightened at several sites including Phuket International Airport following the alarming finds last week. 'There's an ongoing risk of terrorism in Thailand,' a warning from Smartraveller said. 'Popular tourist areas may be the target of terrorist attacks anywhere across Thailand, including Bangkok and Phuket. 'Phuket International Airport has increased security measures and passengers should arrive early for their flight. 'This follows the recent discovery of an explosive device near the airport. 'Thai authorities also defused devices in Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga and made arrests.' Local police have made a number of arrests and raided several locations where bomb-making materials were allegedly found, local media report. The suspects were reportedly from rebel movement Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN). Authorities said the explosive devices were not powerful enough to cause serious injury or kill, and were allegedly part of a plan to spark public panic and disrupt the economy in tourist hotspots. Australian travellers should 'exercise a high degree of caution' right throughout the Southeast Asian country, and reconsider travel to Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces in the country's south because of 'low-level insurgent activity, including terrorism'. 'Coordinated attacks have occurred in the southern provinces,' Smartraveller said. It said the Middle East conflict could also spark attacks against Israeli interests in other regions. 'Be alert to possible threats. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities,' Smartraveller said. 'Border crossing points along the Thailand-Cambodia border continue to be closed at short notice. 'Border areas near Cambodia, Myanmar and Malaysia are dangerous due to violence, armed conflict and landmines. Pay close attention to your personal security.' Greg Raymond, a Thailand expert from the Australian National University, said the explosives were 'certainly concerning' but did not believe the country was necessarily becoming more dangerous. He was unsure if BRN was involved in planting the devices, saying there were a number of movements in the country. 'There is speculation about who is behind it, and there is precedence for violence in the south to spread to the northern regions, but it's very rare,' he told Thailand, where more than 800,000 Australians headed every year before the pandemic, is also in the middle of a political storm following a leaked call involving its PM and Cambodia's ex-leader over a border dispute. Stream free on
Malaysia Sun
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysia Sun
Thailand: New Insurgent Attacks on Civilians Despite Pledge
(Bangkok, May 29, 2025) - Separatist insurgents in Thailand's southern border provinces should uphold their pledge and international legal obligations not to attack civilians, Human Rights Watch said today. Barisan Revolusi Nasional (National Revolutionary Front or BRN) insurgents have frequently targeted civilians, both Thai Buddhists and Malay Muslims, since the outbreak of armed insurgency in January 2004. On May 5, 2025, the BRN issued a statement expressing regret for recent attacks. While reaffirming the right to self-determination for Malay Muslims, the armed separatist group said that it "has no policy of targeting civilians" and "remains committed to international human rights and humanitarian law." Human Rights Watch has repeatedly condemned BRN laws-of-war violations. "The BRN took an unprecedented step by publicly pledging not to target civilians, after terrorizing people in Thailand's deep south for more than two decades," said Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "But a pledge is not enough. The BRN needs to stop committing war crimes ." There were 57 insurgent attacks in April, resulting in 18 deaths and 50 injuries from the Buddhist Thai and Malay Muslim populations in Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and Songkhla provinces. On April 22, BRN insurgents shot dead Pongkorn Chumapan, 16, and wounded Pokanit Morasin, 12, in an attack on a pickup truck taking Buddhist monks and novices from Wat Kura temple to collect alms in Songkhla province's Sabayoi district. Pol. Lt. Wattanarom Chumapan, Pongkorn's father, told Human Rights Watch that his "son and his cousins were ordained as novices during their school break to study Buddhism and accumulate good karma. But they were targeted in this brutal attack." "I picked up my son, together with other novices and monks, from the temple to collect alms that morning," he said. "My pickup truck had just left the temple's gate when I heard gunshots coming from the roadside jungle. They sounded like M-16 assault rifles. I'm a police officer. I could tell." He said the bullets hit his son and another novice: "I grabbed my pistol and fired back at the two assailants until they retreated. I could see them escaping on a motorcycle, dressed as Muslim women and covering their faces." The BRN considers Buddhism emblematic of the Thai state's occupation of Malay Muslim territory. At least 23 Buddhist monks and novices have been killed and more than 30 injured during the conflict, most while collecting alms. Victims of the BRN's violence in May included teachers, police officers, older people, and children. On the morning of May 28, Pol. Sgt. Abdulloh Makaseng, 30, was shot dead when insurgents attacked the Chanae district police station in Narathiwat province. Later that day, insurgents opened fire into a community sport event in Narathiwat province's Tak Bai district, seriously wounding Muhammad Sukri Ha, 37, and Sainuddin Jehbueraheng, 34, both teachers. On May 2, in Chanae district, insurgents fatally shot Sa-Nga Saeng-Yoi, 76, a blind Buddhist Thai, and critically wounded her son while they were returning home from the hospital on a motorcycle. On the same day, in Tak Bai district, six insurgents opened fire with assault rifles into a Buddhist Thai neighborhood. They killed Sasita Jankong, 9, a Buddhist Thai, and two older relatives. Civilians have also been victims of BRN insurgents' indiscriminate shootings and bombings. The laws of war , applicable to the armed conflict in Thailand's southern border provinces, prohibit attacks on civilians and civilian objects, including reprisals, or attacks that fail to discriminate between combatants and civilians. Anyone who commits serious violations of the laws of war with criminal intent is responsible for war crimes . Abuses by both BRN insurgents and Thai authorities have long fed a cycle of violence and impunity, Human Rights Watch said. Phra Kru Kositasudabhorn, a prominent Buddhist monk and peace advocate from Pattani province, told Human Rights Watch that the April 22 attack on novices in Sabayoi district appeared to be in retaliation for the killing of an Islamic religious teacher, allegedly by Thai security forces, in Narathiwat province on April 18. "As long as that killing remains unresolved, Buddhist Thais will still be at risk," he said. "Buddhist novices and monks are especially vulnerable. Government officials should understand that insurgents use [state-sponsored] abuses and heavy-handed tactics to recruit new members and justify their violence." Claims by insurgents that attacks on civilians are lawful because the victims are part of the Thai state or that Islamic law, as they interpret it, has no justification under international law. The office of Sheikhul Islam, Thailand's central Islamic council, issued a statement on May 6, 2025, condemning the attacks on civilians "in the strongest terms" and stating that there is no justification for such heinous crimes, which are also serious religious offenses. Thai authorities have imposed special security legislation in the southern border provinces. Under the Executive Decree on Government Administration in Emergency Situations and under martial law, Thai security forces can arrest and hold suspected BRN members for up to 37 days without effective judicial oversight, which has led to deaths in military custody. On May 22, representatives of the Internal Security Operations Command, Region Four, which is responsible for counterinsurgency operations in the southern border provinces, told a Thai parliamentary committee that such arrests and detentions served as deterrence even when authorities did not have sufficient evidence to press charges. Jaringan Mangsa Dari Undang-Undang Darurat, a human rights group, reported at least 41 arbitrary arrest cases of Malay Muslims from January through April. The mother of Nasri Tugae, 22, told Human Rights Watch that her son was arrested under martial law on April 23: "Soldiers raided my house, accusing Nasri of being involved in the killing of a Buddhist novice [on April 22]. We tried to explain that my son was away on that day to apply for his passport in Yala province. But they did not listen." She said he was taken to Ingkayuth Camp in Pattani province for interrogation: "My son was scared when I told him that there were allegations about him all over social media, saying he was a murderer. My son was held for 26 days. Now he was released without charge. My son was treated unfairly. Where is justice? Something like this will only make Muslims trust officials less." There is an entrenched culture of impunity for state-sponsored abuses in the southern border provinces, Human Rights Watch said. There has been no successful prosecution of those responsible for extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and torture of suspected BRN members. The 20-year statute of limitations of the Tak Bai crackdown, which left 85 dead and several hundred injured, ended in October 2024, preventing further legal action. "Insurgent atrocities and retaliatory government abuses have sowed distrust between the Thai Buddhist and Malay Muslim communities," Pearson said. "Both sides should end abuses, hold abusers accountable, and commit to respecting human rights as they negotiate an end to the conflict." Source: Human Rights Watch
Muscat Daily
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Lasting peace eludes Thailand's deep south
Bangkok, Thailand – Since January 2004, Thailand's deep south has seen ongoing conflict between Thai military forces and separatist groups seeking greater autonomy. The violence is largely confined to the country's three southernmost provinces, Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala – home to a Muslim Malay majority in the predominantly Buddhist nation. The region, located along the Thai-Malaysia border, has seen over 23,000 violent incidents, leading to more than 7,000 deaths, according to Deep South Watch, a local think tank. The Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), the dominant separatist group, has been implicated in attacks targeting civilians, including Buddhist monks and schoolteachers, according to Human Rights Watch. Deadly attacks escalate conflict Between January and early May this year, 38 violent incidents were recorded – almost as many as in all of 2024. Don Pathan, a Thailand-based security analyst, points to two attacks as key escalations. The first came after Thailand's National Security Council and the BRN failed to reach a Ramadan ceasefire agreement in March, after which Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai insisted that all violence must stop before talks resume. The BRN responded with a March 9 attack on Narathiwat's Sungai Kolok District Office, wounding 12 people and killing two volunteer defence officers. The second major incident came after the April 18 killing of senior BRN member Abdulroning Lateh, which saw the insurgents escalate beyond the rules of engagement in conflict by targeting civilians. A brutal attack came on May 2 when a gunman shot dead at least three people in a residential area of Narathiwat province, including a 9-year-old girl, a 75-year-old man and a 76-year-old blind woman. In response, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra deployed more troops to the region to bolster security. Last week, Deputy PM Phumtham Wechayachai said that the Thai government is willing to engage in peace talks. Thaksin vows to achieve peace Tita Sanglee, an associate fellow at Singapore's ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, believes both politicians' efforts are symbolic rather than practical. 'Paetongtarn and Phumtham's peace efforts are more symbolic than substantive. We all know that the situation on the ground is not really conducive to peace,' she told DW. 'Phumtham's stance, at least early on, was quite tough. He was basically saying, 'we won't engage in talks unless the BRN proves its legitimacy by ending violence on the ground'.' 'I see this largely as a way to shift scrutiny onto the insurgents – and ultimately to shield the young and inexperienced prime minister,' Sanglee said, suggesting that controlling the narrative seems to be the government's priority. Thaksin Shinawatra, who was Thai PM when the insurgency renewed in 2004, has also become involved to help find a solution. He visited the region in February and said that he expects to see a complete end to the unrest by next year. Malaysia's role in finding peace Thailand's ruling Pheu Thai party, which is strongly influenced by Thaksin, has since faced pressure to act. Tita said the former PM's pledge has pushed the government to respond. 'In light of Thaksin's public pledge to end the Deep South's unrest by next year, there's a real need for the Pheu Thai government to demonstrate that it is taking the issue seriously and is actually doing something,' she told DW. Thaksin is an informal adviser to ASEAN chair Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the prime minister of Malaysia, which has been urged to take a greater role in peace efforts. The last official meeting about a peace solution between Thai government representatives and the BRN was in June 2024. But in a post on social media this month, Paetongtarn said Malaysia is now crucial for any upcoming rounds of peace talks. Anthony Davis, a Bangkok-based security analyst, said Malaysia could have more of an impact on reducing the hostilities. 'The Malaysians could arguably be doing more in terms of reining in BRN. Some elements almost certainly knew in advance that a Ramadan offensive was coming and apparently did nothing to head it off,' he told DW, adding that Malaysia's role as 'facilitator' limits its actions. 'There are also questions as to how far PM Anwar is focused on the Patani issue and whether he could afford the domestic political blowback of hard-knuckle moves against BRN leadership inside Malaysia when ultimately this is a Thai problem,' he added. Don Pathan believes Thailand should look at the BRN proposal, rather than relying on Malaysia. 'Malaysia is not exactly an honest broker; Malaysia is a stakeholder. The country shares the same border and the same religious and cultural similarities as the Malays of Patani,' he told DW. Pathan suggested that the Thai government should take seriously the BRN's counterproposal made in February, which included 'setting up a negotiating team, releasing political prisoners, and allowing international observers to monitor a ceasefire'. 'The BRN has said it is willing to negotiate under the Thai Constitution. BRN and the Patani Malays are willing to be part of the Thai state. But it has to be on their terms,' he added. DW
