- Context
• Fighting has resumed between Thailand and Cambodia near the Preah Vihear temple area.
• Recent clashes killed soldiers, injured civilians, and displaced thousands.
• The ceasefire brokered earlier collapsed, increasing hostility and mistrust.
• The dispute threatens regional stability and adds pressure on ASEAN, which is already dealing with the Myanmar crisis. - About ASEAN
11 members (2025): Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Brunei, Timor-Leste.
• Founded: 1967 (Bangkok Declaration).
• HQ: Jakarta, Indonesia.
Core Principles:
• Non-interference
• Consensus-based decisions
• Regional peace and stability
- Solutions Mentioned
• Regional powers Malaysia and Indonesia must take the lead
→ They have the influence to bring both sides back to negotiation.
• Immediate return to dialogue
→ ASEAN should push Thailand and Cambodia to talk without delay.
• Restore the ceasefire quickly
→ Ending active fighting is the first necessary step.
• Promote confidence-building measures
→ ASEAN must help reduce deep mistrust between the two countries.
• Prevent escalation that harms regional stability
→ ASEAN should ensure the crisis does not spread and damage Southeast Asia’s image of stability and cooperation.
