Border Conflict: Leaders Show Joint Commitment Toward ASEAN Regional Peace

BANGKOK, July 29 (Bernama) -- The ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia in their ongoing border dispute, coupled with Malaysia’s proactive leadership as ASEAN Chair, reinforces ASEAN’s standing as a credible, constructive, and responsible force for regional peace, according to geopolitical analysts.

On Monday, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai agreed to implement an immediate ceasefire to ease tensions in the disputed border area following a special meeting held in Putrajaya.

The ceasefire, which took effect late on July 28, effectively ended the clashes that had erupted since July 24.

Associate Professor Dr Chaiwat Meesanthan, Director of the Institute of East Asian Studies at Thammasat University, said the agreement also reflects the strong commitment of regional leaders to the principle of ASEAN Centrality.

More importantly, he said, the meeting—chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim—marked a key shift in ASEAN’s approach: from its traditional non-interference stance to a new concept of “regional responsibility.”

“His (Anwar’s) active role in these negotiations can serve as a model for resolving other regional conflicts, such as the Myanmar crisis or the South China Sea issue,” he told Bernama.

Commenting further on the recent development, Chaiwat suggested that ASEAN should move forward by developing a Regional Border Security Cooperation Framework (ASEAN Border Security Framework).

He explained that ASEAN has the potential to evolve from a mere dialogue platform to becoming a key entity in sustaining regional peace.

“This shows that ASEAN can design its own security mechanisms without relying on external powers, provided its member states are willing to cooperate sincerely, transparently, and responsibly,” he said.

He added that such efforts could position ASEAN as a model of “principled regionalism” that is trusted and respected in the 21st century.

Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr Samatcha Nilaphatama, Director of the Centre for Peace Communication Studies at the Faculty of Communication Sciences, Prince of Songkla University (Pattani Campus), described the success of the peace talks as a positive sign that ASEAN leaders genuinely desire peace in the region.

“We are now seeing ASEAN leaders stepping up to play their part as peace enablers, including acting as third-party mediators from within the ASEAN family to help resolve regional conflicts,” he said.

The two Southeast Asian neighbours have a long history of border disputes involving an 817-kilometre stretch that remains unresolved.

The latest flare-up reached its peak following a clash between the two countries’ armed forces near the disputed Preah Vihear area on May 28, which resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.

--BERNAMA