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New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Asean urged to tackle border crisis fuelled by scams, slavery and rising tensions
TENSIONS are soaring again at the 818km border between Thailand and Cambodia, with reports of gunfire exchanges and aerial surveillance shaking communities on both sides. While border disputes in the area are nothing new, especially around the Preah Vihear temple, this latest escalation is worrying, not just for Thailand and Cambodia, but for Asean. Asean was founded on Aug 8, 1967, by Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand, with the shared purpose of promoting regional peace, stability and cooperation. Today, that founding spirit is being tested. But this is no ordinary military flare-up. The current stand-off is aggravated by the entrenchment of criminal economies in the borderlands. They must be demilitarised and decriminalised (D and D). Towns such as Poipet, O'Smach, and Ban Nong Ian have become synonymous with digital slavery and online scam syndicates. These centres — operating in defiance of national and international laws — trap thousands of individuals, often migrants or trafficking victims, in enslaved cybercrime. Underlying this militarised rivalry is a lawless economy that distorts development and destabilises state authority. The challenge now is twofold: to stop the fighting and to root out the criminal infrastructure sustaining it. Thus, a D and D strategy is key. Asean's other founding members — Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines and Malaysia — must take the lead in steering the region back toward peace. While Thailand is directly involved in the border confrontation, the remaining founding members possess both credibility and strategic experience. Indonesia's track record in Aceh, Singapore's diplomatic steadiness and the Philippines' continued efforts to manage conflict in Mindanao have all contributed to Asean's legacy of peacebuilding. Malaysia, for its part, has long pursued a policy of a quiet diplomacy in the South China Sea. It upholds its maritime rights while avoiding provocation and keeping the region free from great-power entrapment. That same quiet resolve must now be channelled into addressing the Thai-Cambodian border crisis. The international legal framework must also be respected. Cambodia is a signatory to the Ottawa Treaty banning the use of anti-personnel landmines. Allegations that landmines have been used along the border must be investigated thoroughly. More urgently, Asean must call for a global crackdown on the scam centres and digital slave-labour operations that have taken root along this frontier and elsewhere in Myanmar and Laos. These syndicates are integral to the escalation of instability. In many cases, they function with protection from corrupt officials or rogue security elements. Asean cannot allow parts of its territory to become sanctuaries for such lawlessness. If anything ASEANPOL, Europol and Interpol must all be permanent fixtures in this region. This is a regional emergency. Asean must form a high-level task force, with joint investigative and enforcement capacities, to dismantle these criminal economies. The demilitarisation of the border zones —particularly near the Preah Vihear temple — is equally essential. The International Court of Justice has ruled twice in favour of Cambodia, in 1962 and again in 2013, on the status of the temple. These rulings must be respected by both sides. Territorial grievances cannot be allowed to override legal commitments or regional peace. It is also encouraging that China, Japan and South Korea have called for restraint and dialogue. As key strategic partners of both Thailand and Cambodia, these countries' position remains aligned with Asean's Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, which enshrines negotiation and non-use of force. Asean must not wait for external powers to stabilise its backyard. This is a moment for regional leadership. Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines and Malaysia must close ranks, not through public grandstanding, but through active, behind-the-scenes diplomacy. The mechanisms of peace exist; what is required now is the will to activate them. History reminds us that once conflict ignites between neighbours with long, entangled pasts, it becomes harder to control. Asean was built to prevent such tragedies. Its founding members must again rise to that responsibility.
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Demilitarise to stabilise: Why the Ta Muen Thom sector must be the first to fall silent — Phar Kim Beng
JULY 25 — In the long and tangled history of Thailand-Cambodia relations, the frontier between the two nations has often served less as a boundary and more as a crucible for conflict. Nowhere is this more evident than the Ta Muen Thom sector — where barbed wire, bunkers, and bitter memories converge. It is precisely here, in this theatre of overlapping claims and ancient temples, that we must begin a new journey: the full demilitarisation of the border, starting with this volatile corridor. Recent skirmishes along the frontier — most notably the deadly exchange of fire near the Emerald Triangle in May 2025 and the confirmed allegations of Cambodian minelaying reported by The Bangkok Post in July — have revived ghosts of the past. From 2008 to 2011, Thai and Cambodian troops faced off repeatedly over sacred sites like Preah Vihear and Ta Krabey. Peace was elusive because firepower and politics trumped common sense. As tensions now threaten to spiral again, the stakes are even higher, exacerbated by the intermingling of military control with the illegal digital economy, narcotics networks, and cross-border crime. The line between sovereignty and subversion is blurring fast. To break this dangerous cycle, Asean must act decisively, and Bangkok and Phnom Penh must agree to a phased, externally monitored demilitarisation. The logical starting point is the Ta Muen Thom corridor, not only because of its historical sensitivity but also its current operational volatility. This is not simply a symbolic gesture — it is a strategic necessity. The case for Ta Muen Thom Located in Surin province on the Thai side and Oddar Meanchey on the Cambodian side, the Ta Muen Thom complex has long been a fault line between military patrols and nationalist claims. It houses not just a sacred Khmer-era temple but a frontline of armoured deployments. Any spark here—be it accidental or deliberate—could ignite a wider conflict. More importantly, this area sits atop one of the most porous segments of the border, where human trafficking, scam syndicates, and illicit arms movement have flourished under the cloak of nationalism. Cambodia's decision to lay new mines, allegedly to slow Thai military advances, is a grim reminder of the past's persistence. Despite being a signatory to the Ottawa Treaty banning landmines, Phnom Penh's apparent violations not only endanger civilians but inflame already raw sentiments in Thailand. For Bangkok, any suggestion of Cambodian expansionism, especially near ancient temples with shared heritage, plays directly into domestic narratives of sovereignty under siege. Yet it is this very mix of history and hysteria that makes the Ta Muen Thom corridor the most urgent candidate for demilitarisation. A Cambodian military personnel stands on a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher, around 40km from the disputed Ta Moan Thom temple, after Thailand and Cambodia exchanged heavy artillery on Friday as their worst fighting in more than a decade stretched for a second day, in Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia, July 25, 2025. — Reuters pic Three tiers of ceasefire: From tactical to transformational Ceasefire agreements alone are not enough. History shows that Thailand and Cambodia have repeatedly agreed to halt hostilities only to see fighting resume within days. That is why this conflict demands a structured and multi-layered approach to demilitarisation — built on three essential types of ceasefires. First, tactical or local ceasefires are needed immediately. These must be enforced at flashpoints like Ta Muen Thom, Khnar Temple, and Preah Vihear. Commanders on both sides must establish direct communication channels, perhaps via an Asean Emergency Border Hotline, to prevent miscalculations and rogue operations. When troops face off without coordination, minor incidents can escalate into major bloodshed. Second, a ceasefire monitored by neutral observers is crucial. This was the original intent behind the 2011 agreement that allowed Indonesian observers to patrol the Preah Vihear region. A similar framework should now be extended to Ta Muen Thom. The Asean Secretariat, with support from the Asean Regional Forum (ARF), can redeploy a border monitoring team composed of unarmed civilians and retired military officials from neutral Asean states like Malaysia and Indonesia. Their presence would reduce the chance of surprise offensives and increase transparency. Third, and most vital for long-term peace, a permanent ceasefire must be legally embedded in an internationally recognised framework. This would entail mutual recognition of the ICJ's 1962 and 2013 rulings, which awarded Preah Vihear to Cambodia and called for the establishment of demilitarised zones. Thailand has often rejected the ICJ's broader jurisdiction over the border demarcation, but in the spirit of Asean unity, both sides must now work through the Asean Charter's High Council for Dispute Resolution or agree to third-party arbitration by an Asean–UN hybrid mechanism. Geopolitics and local politics: A dangerous nexus Why is such decisive action urgent now? Because the regional geopolitical climate is shifting fast — and not in Asean's favour. China's expanding role in both Cambodia's digital economy and Thai political patronage has introduced new complexities. Beijing's request earlier this year for Thailand to crack down on scam networks operating out of border casinos was met with quiet compliance in Bangkok but fury in Phnom Penh. Leaked communications between former Prime Minister Hun Sen and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra revealed growing distrust. For Hun Sen, whose family network is deeply intertwined with the digital economy emanating from the Cambodian frontier, Thai enforcement risks undermining his dynastic interests. For Paetongtarn, whose premiership rests on winning over both military and civilian constituencies, appearing weak in the face of Cambodian provocation is politically untenable. Both are prisoners of their own nationalist narratives. Against this backdrop, a military provocation — even unintended — could provide domestic political capital. But it would be catastrophic for regional stability. The Asean responsibility to intervene Asean is often criticised for being slow, reactive, or overly cautious. But the bloc is not without tools. Article 23 of the Asean Charter allows the convening of a High Council to mediate disputes. The Asean Chair — currently Malaysia — can immediately request an emergency consultation with both parties, perhaps convened in neutral Jakarta. If necessary, Malaysia and Vietnam should be appointed as special envoys to mediate, given their shared borders and vested interest in a stable mainland South-east Asia. Asean must also back the creation of a Joint Border Demilitarisation Commission, supported by the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UNDPPA), to facilitate logistics, mapping, and troop withdrawals — starting with Ta Muen Thom. This could become a model for resolving other disputed zones, such as along the Lao–Cambodia and Myanmar–Thailand borders. Demilitarisation is not appeasement Critics will argue that withdrawing troops from Ta Muen Thom or allowing third-party monitoring is tantamount to surrendering sovereignty. But this is a false binary. Demilitarisation, when coupled with international recognition and border development funds, strengthens sovereignty by removing the incentives for proxy warfare and illegal trafficking. It also frees both governments from being manipulated by warlords, digital mafia networks, or patronage-based military elites. With peace, the border can become a zone of connectivity, not conflict — supporting trade, tourism, and joint heritage management. Conclusion: Let the silence begin where it's loudest If Asean wants to demonstrate relevance amid rising geopolitical uncertainty, the demilitarisation of the Thai Cambodian border — beginning with Ta Muen Thom — must be its priority. Here lies not just a relic of civilisational pride, but a powder keg of modern insecurity. Turning it into a demilitarised zone would send a powerful signal: that South-east Asia will not be held hostage to the past, nor to the criminal networks and nationalist tempers of the present. Peace is not forged in grand declarations but in quiet zones. Let the silence begin where the guns once roared the loudest. *Phar Kim Beng, PhD, is the Director of the Institute of Internationalisation and Asean Studies (IINTAS) at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). He served as a former Head Teaching Fellow at Harvard University and is a Cambridge Commonwealth Scholar. **This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Korea Herald
6 days ago
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Thailand and Cambodia recall ambassadors as border dispute flares
BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand closed northeastern border crossings with Cambodia and said Wednesday it was withdrawing its ambassador and expelling the Cambodian ambassador to protest a land mine blast in which a Thai soldier lost a leg. Cambodia responded Thursday that it was downgrading diplomatic relations with Thailand to their lowest level and recalling all Cambodian staff from its embassy in Bangkok. Relations between the Southeast Asian neighbors have deteriorated sharply since May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in an armed confrontation in one of several small patches of land both countries claim as their own territory. Nationalist passions on both sides have further inflamed the situation, and Thailand's prime minister was suspended from office on July 1 to be investigated for possible ethics violations over her handling of the border dispute. The Thai army said the land mine that wounded five soldiers Wednesday had been placed in Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province. Cambodia said the blast happened in its Preah Vihear province. A week earlier, a land mine in a different contested area exploded and wounded three Thai soldiers when one of them stepped on it and lost a foot. Thai authorities have alleged the mines were newly laid along paths that by mutual agreement were supposed to be safe. They said the mines were Russian-made and not of a type employed by Thailand's military. The army statement called on Cambodia 'to take responsibility for this incident, which constitutes a serious threat to peace and stability in the border region between the two countries.' After last week's blast, Thailand accused Cambodia of violating the Ottawa Treaty, an international pact that bans the production and use of anti-personnel land mines. Cambodia rejected Thailand's account as 'baseless accusations.' Defense Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said the land mine explosion took place on Cambodian territory and alleged Thailand had violated a 2000 agreement 'regarding the use of agreed paths for patrols.' Cambodia has denied that it laid new mines along the border, pointing out that many unexploded mines and other ordnance are a legacy of 20th century wars and unrest. Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the Foreign Ministry would make an official protest to Cambodia, and further measures would be considered. Cambodia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement Thursday that it demanded all Thai diplomatic staff leave Cambodia and was recalling Cambodia staffers at the embassy in Bangkok. Many border checkpoints had already been closed by one side or the other or operated with restrictions after relations between the neighbors deteriorated following an armed confrontation on May 28 in which one Cambodian soldier was killed in one of the contested areas. Cambodia has banned Thai movies and TV shows , stopped the import of Thai fruits and vegetables and boycotted some of its neighbor's international internet links and power supply. It also stopped importing fuel from Thailand.
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Thailand closes border with Cambodia, recalls ambassador amid tensions
A Thai Army statement said 4 other soldiers were wounded Wednesday when one of them stepped on a land mine that Thailand blamed on Cambodia and said took place in Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province AP Bangkok Thailand said Wednesday it is closing northeastern border crossings with Cambodia, withdrawing its ambassador to the neighboring country and expelling the Cambodian ambassador to protest a landmine blast in which a Thai soldier lost a leg. A Thai Army statement said four other soldiers also were wounded Wednesday when one of them stepped on a land mine that Thailand blamed on Cambodia and said took place in Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province. Cambodia disputed that account, saying the blast happened in its Preah Vihear province. It occurred in one of several small patches of land along the border that both lay claim to and which is treated as a no-man's land. The explosion drew a swift response from the Thai government. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the Foreign Ministry would make an official protest to Cambodia, and further measures would be considered. The injuries Wednesday came a week after three other Thai soldiers were wounded when one of them stepped on a land mine and lost a foot in a different contested area along the border. Thai authorities say that the mines were newly laid along paths that by mutual agreement were supposed to be safe. They said the mines were Russian-made and not of a type employed by Thailand's military. The army statement called on Cambodia to take responsibility for this incident, which constitutes a serious threat to peace and stability in the border region between the two countries. After last week's blast, Thailand accused Cambodia of violating the Ottawa Treaty, an international pact that bans the production and use of anti-personnel landmines. Cambodia rejected the Thai version of the events as baseless accusations. Defense Ministry spokespesrson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said the landmine explosion took place on Cambodian territory and charged that Thailand had violated a 2000 agreement regarding the use of agreed paths for patrols. Many border checkpoints had already been closed by one side or the other or operated with restrictions after relations between the neighbors deteriorated following an armed confrontation on May 28 in which one Cambodian soldier was killed in one of the contested areas. Efforts to defuse the situation have been hindered by the nationalist passions that flared in both countries. There is historical enmity between the two nations. There have been major political consequences in Thailand, with former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra suspended from office last month after making what critics saw as a disparaging comment about her country's military in a phone call to Cambodia's former Prime Minister Hun Sen, who leaked a recording of it. Cambodia has denied that it laid new mines along the border, pointing out that many unexploded mines and other ordnance remain all over the country, a legacy of civil war and unrest that began in 1970 and ended only in 1998. Since the end of that fighting, nearly 20,000 Cambodians have been killed and about 45,000 injured by leftover war explosives. The number of casualties has sharply declined over time; and last year there were only. 49 deaths.
Bangkok Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Army seals border with Cambodia, closes temple ruins
The commander of the Second Army Region suspended visits to the Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai temple ruins in Surin province and sealed the border with Cambodia on Thursday, following a landmine explosion that injured five Thai soldiers on Wednesday. Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang signed the order on Wednesday, saying Cambodia had committed an 'inhumane act' in violation of sovereignty and the Ottawa Treaty by using landmines. The act was 'grave threat to peace and stability along the border of both countries,' the commander's order read. His order prohibits all border crossings by vehicles, people, trade and tourists, while the Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai temple ruins were closed for 'security system improvement'. Cambodian troops on Thursday morning opened fire on a Thai position near the temple area ruins in Surin, the army said. Lt Gen Boonsin said the closure order was aimed at protecting Thailand's sovereignty and territory and the safety of Thai citizens' lives and property and at expressing Thailand's opposition to the use of anti-personnel landmines.
