Evan A. Laksmana
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The recent conflict between Thailand and Cambodia came at a time when historically acrimonious border dynamics were stressed by political tensions and a worsening cyber-scam crisis. This offers lessons for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and policymakers in the region.
After months of simmering tensions, fighting erupted along the Thailand–Cambodia border on 23 July 2025, reigniting a long and bitter dispute between the two countries. The violent episode over five days involved heavy exchanges in artillery fire and airstrikes, inflicted dozens of fatalities and forced upwards of 300,000 people to flee their homes on both sides of the border.
Malaysia, in its role as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), stepped in to broker a ceasefire during a meeting in Kuala Lumpur on 28 July. In the meeting, which senior officials from the United States and China attended, a deal was struck for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. A series of meetings have since followed – many of which have been facilitated by Malaysia – between Thai and Cambodian regional commanders, senior officials and ministers to discuss paths toward a sustainable peace.
On 7 August, at the Extraordinary General Border Committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur, both sides agreed to halt further troop movements and not to undertake escalatory steps, including building military infrastructure. They also agreed to refrain from disseminating false information and to comply with international humanitarian law. Perhaps more importantly, both sides would maintain regular communications between local military commanders and senior officials, and support a Malaysian-led ASEAN observer team consisting of ASEAN defence attachés.
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