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The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Navigating tensions: Scholars call for peaceful resolution to Cambodia-Thailand border dispute
PHNOM PENH: The border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has a long and complex history, but recent tensions were reignited by the tragic death of a Cambodian soldier on May 28. This incident has escalated a longstanding issue, drawing attention to the fragility of the relationship between the two nations. While the Preah Vihear Temple dispute once dominated the diplomatic landscape, the recent fatality has become a flashpoint, threatening to destabilise the region once again. At July 17 seminar, held at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, scholars, policymakers and experts gathered to discuss the future of Cambodia-Thailand relations and explore pathways toward peace and stability. The seminar, titled 'Cambodia-Thailand Relations: Towards Peace and a Stable Neighbourhood and Region', was jointly organised by the Cambodian Center for Regional Studies (CCRS) and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Cambodia. Pou Sothirak, senior advisor at the CCRS and co-author of Preah Vihear: A Guide to the Thai-Cambodian Conflict and its Solutions, called for a return to the open and cooperative border policies that existed before the conflict. He stressed the importance of restoring trust and understanding between the two countries, with a focus on mutual respect, and urges both sides to avoid focusing on minor details or differences in resolving the conflict. 'Just re-open all border crossings and restore trust and understanding based on mutual respect. Refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and focus on ways to settle the dispute,' he said. 'Brush aside this fake news, this misinformation, this whatever you call… extreme statements from both sides,' he added. However, speaking is easier than doing. Sothirak warned that there are people who want Cambodia and Thailand to be split like this, to create misery, from both sides. He acknowledged that there are also external actors or individuals who benefit from seeing the two countries remain divided and in conflict. Sothirak suggested that some may seek to perpetuate tension between Cambodia and Thailand for their own agendas. Po Sovinda, director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, highlighted the deep historical roots of the ongoing Cambodia-Thailand border conflict. He stressed that understanding the past, particularly the colonial-era France-Siam Treaties of 1904 and 1907, is essential to grasping the current tensions between the two nations. In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in favour of Cambodia's sovereignty over the Preah Vihear Temple, but the surrounding area, approximately 4.6sq km, remained contested. 'Rising nationalism in both countries has exacerbated the situation, with historical claims being used to rally support domestically,' he explained. 'The location of current conflicts reflects the ongoing contention over territorial sovereignty, underscoring the complexity of resolving these disputes,' he continued. Sothirak reiterated that historical context is key to understanding the underlying causes of the conflict, which are further complicated by nationalism on both sides. 'The issue is not just territorial; it involves a lot of politics and emotions,' he added. He described it as 'deeply entangled with political factors, such as national sovereignty, governance and historical legacies, as well as emotional aspects, like nationalism, pride and the sensitive history between the two countries'. More than 100 scholars, policymakers and experts gathered to discuss the future of Cambodia-Thailand relations. Hong Raksmey Aun Chhengpor, policy researcher and programme manager at Future Forum, took the floor to discuss some of the recent developments surrounding the border dispute. The incident that triggered the latest round of tensions — a Cambodian soldier's death in a brief exchange of fire — was a stark reminder of the fragile nature of relations between the two countries. 'The death of a Cambodian soldier has done significant damage to the bilateral relationship, affecting trade and the livelihoods of people living along both borders,' Chhengpor remarked. He explained that the two countries have resorted to military build-ups along their shared border, creating a climate of suspicion and fear, which in turn has led to increased nationalism, with both sides prioritising their perceived sovereignty and national interests. Chhengpor also noted that Cambodia's growing confidence in handling the situation – partly due to its strengthened military and strategic partnerships, particularly with China – has made the current standoff different from previous incidents. Cambodia's decision to bring the dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was also framed as a positive step, underlining the country's commitment to international law. However, he pointed out the challenges of international intervention, noting that Thailand has yet to accept the ICJ's jurisdiction. The situation remains delicate, with Chhengpor warning of the potential for prolonged tensions. 'The Thai government is facing a legitimacy crisis, and that complicates the decision-making process. The future of the dispute depends heavily on domestic political developments in Thailand,' he said. The 'Cambodia-Thailand Relations: Towards Peace and a Stable Neighbourhood and Region' seminar took place on July 17. Hong Raksmey Chhengpor also highlighted the crucial role of civil society, think tanks and the media in reducing tensions between the two countries. He called for a collective effort to minimise the inflammatory rhetoric and focus on de-escalating the situation. He pointed out that much of the negativity surrounding the conflict has been fuelled by misinformation and exaggerated narratives in the media. 'We need to stop the cycle of provoking one another,' he said. He also emphasised the responsibility of social media companies and big tech platforms in shaping public discourse. 'We must recognise that the media and social media play a significant role in escalating tensions. These platforms feed users content based on algorithms, which can lead to a more polarised public perception,' he explained. Both Chhengpor and Sothirak agreed that the immediate priority should be the removal of military forces from the border, which would allow for diplomatic solutions to take centre stage. 'The first step towards peace is ensuring that the military does not dominate the border, allowing space for diplomacy,' Sothirak said, urging both countries to engage in dialogue without the looming threat of military escalation. As the seminar concluded, it was clear that the path to lasting peace between Cambodia and Thailand remains fraught with challenges. The speakers stressed the importance of mutual respect, transparent communication and a commitment to international law. However, they also cautioned that any solution would require patience, political will and a willingness to put historical grievances aside for the sake of regional stability. 'The situation is fragile, but there are positive signs,' Chhengpor noted. 'Both sides are still committed to peaceful resolution, and the channels of communication remain open. We must seize these opportunities and work together to ensure that the current tensions do not escalate into something more dangerous,' he added. Sothirak reflected on the period before the May 28 conflict, when Cambodia and Thailand enjoyed good bilateral relations. He shared personal anecdotes, such as how easy it was for him to travel between the two countries, indicating that their relations were previously open and mutually respectful. 'Bangkok Airways flew five times a day to Phnom Penh, seven times to Siem Reap. What more do you want? The relationship was that good,' said Sothirak. With patience on both sides, it may soon be that good again. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
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First Post
13-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
How Thai-Cambodian clashes undermine ASEAN unity
If Southeast Asia is to move forward as a cohesive and cooperative bloc, resolving historical disputes is essential read more Just days after the conclusion of the 46th ASEAN Summit in late May 2025, a deadly military clash erupted between Thailand and Cambodia, reigniting longstanding tensions over their disputed border. On May 28, a Cambodian soldier was killed in the Emerald Triangle region—a sensitive trijunction where the borders of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos converge. This forested and mountainous region, near the Dângrêk Mountains and the Mekong River basin, has been a flashpoint due to ambiguous territorial claims dating back to the colonial era. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This latest skirmish has brought renewed attention to a simmering territorial dispute involving several ancient temple sites near the two countries' shared border, including Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch, Ta Krabei, and the Mom Bei area. The Cambodian government, led by PM Hun Manet, has declared its intention to bring the matter before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), while Thailand has reiterated its preference for bilateral dialogue. In a move suggesting growing frustration, Cambodia announced that the upcoming June 14 Joint Border Committee (JBC) meeting with Thailand will proceed, but with a caveat: the four disputed areas will not be on the agenda. This has raised concerns about the effectiveness of bilateral forums in resolving deeper underlying tensions. Despite Cambodia's legal approach to the ICJ, critics question why it has not more actively sought ASEAN mediation. Pou Sothirak, a retired academic and senior advisor at the Cambodia Centre for Regional Studies, remarked, 'Cambodia should call on ASEAN for mediation immediately—even if ASEAN has limitations—to show our solidarity with member states and our preference for peaceful means.' The current escalation threatens to erode ASEAN unity at a time when the bloc seeks to present a united front in addressing regional security and economic challenges. The clash also coincides with increased nationalist sentiment in Thailand, where conservatives have expressed concern over recent discussions to jointly explore energy resources in undemarcated maritime zones. These talks have stirred fears of losing territory, such as the island of Koh Kood in the Gulf of Thailand, further complicating bilateral diplomacy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the immediate aftermath of the May 28 clash, Thailand closed two key tourist border crossings in Chanthaburi province, citing national security concerns. While the movement of Cambodian labourers and trade remains unaffected, six additional border checkpoints have shortened their operating hours, and restrictions on six-wheeled vehicles have been imposed. Thailand's Defence Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, confirmed an increased military presence in the border area, citing reports of Cambodian troop build-up. Cambodian PM Hun Manet, while insisting that his country's actions are defensive, stated that a formal complaint would be lodged with the ICJ. Tensions were aggravated by Cambodia's refusal to comply with a Thai request to withdraw troops from the contested region, despite both nations having earlier agreed to ease tensions. The current crisis is the latest in a series of confrontations between Thailand and Cambodia, reflecting deep-rooted historical and political complexities. The 817-kilometre border between the two countries, originally demarcated by the French in 1907 during their colonial administration of Cambodia, remains a source of contention, with several segments still or contested. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Previous flare-ups have occurred in 2011, 2013, and 2017, mostly around the Preah Vihear Temple area. While the ICJ ruled in 1962 that Cambodia had sovereignty over the Preah Vihear Temple, it did not resolve surrounding territorial ambiguities. The strategic and symbolic significance of these sites—many of which are perched on cliffs or lie in dense forest—continues to inflame nationalist passions on both sides. Each clash exacts a humanitarian toll. Communities near the border are frequently displaced, local economies suffer disruptions, and the risk of full-scale conflict looms whenever minor confrontations escalate. Military skirmishes often involve small arms, mortars, and artillery, with poor communication and difficult terrain contributing to accidental engagements. Several underlying factors fuel these recurring disputes. Chief among them is the legacy of ambiguous colonial-era boundaries. Nationalist pressures within both countries also play a significant role, often pushing governments to adopt uncompromising positions. Resource competition, especially in mineral-rich and forested areas, and speculation about untapped energy reserves add an economic dimension to the conflict. Meanwhile, military posturing, fortified camps, and patrols along the border ensure that even minor provocations can lead to dangerous escalations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD External mediation efforts have had limited success. ASEAN, although committed to regional peace and cooperation, struggles with internal divisions and institutional constraints. Its non-interference policy and consensus-based decision-making often inhibit decisive action. The ICJ has provided rulings, but enforcement remains weak, especially when national pride or domestic politics are at stake. Thailand's internal politics have also influenced the border situation. PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra's government, already under pressure from a sluggish economy and rising US tariffs, has faced criticism from conservative factions over its approach to bilateral negotiations with Cambodia. In contrast, Thailand's military has taken a more hawkish stance, recently issuing statements affirming readiness for a 'high-level operation' if national sovereignty is perceived to be threatened. Looking forward, a peaceful and lasting resolution to the Thai-Cambodian border dispute requires a multifaceted strategy. First, both countries must prioritise diplomatic dialogue and agree to clarify border demarcations through joint surveys and formal treaties. Second, ASEAN must be empowered to play a more active mediatory role, even if just as a symbolic gesture of regional solidarity. Third, implementing past ICJ rulings and exploring mechanisms for dispute resolution under international law should be at the forefront of future negotiations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Additionally, confidence-building measures—such as joint military patrols, civilian demilitarised zones, and real-time communication channels—could reduce the risk of accidental clashes. Developmental cooperation along the border, including shared infrastructure projects and economic zones, could shift the focus from confrontation to mutual benefit. Finally, domestic political leaders in both countries must work to temper nationalist rhetoric and resist the temptation to use the border issue for short-term political gain. Instead, they should emphasise the long-term benefits of peace, cooperation, and regional integration. In conclusion, the recent clashes between Thailand and Cambodia underscore the fragility of peace along their shared border and the limitations of current dispute-resolution mechanisms. The situation presents a challenge not only to bilateral relations but also to ASEAN's credibility as a forum for regional stability. If Southeast Asia is to move forward as a cohesive and cooperative bloc, resolving historical disputes like this one is essential. Cambodia and Thailand must seize this moment to pursue a lasting resolution that prioritises peace, prosperity, and the well-being of their people over historical grievances and nationalist posturing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The author is a former ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, ASEAN and the African Union. He tweets @AmbGurjitSingh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
