Thai-Cambodian conflict puts Asean's relevance on the line

Group has a narrow window to act, though it is unclear how it can resolve the dispute

- Hariz Baharudin

The deadly border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is once again testing Asean's longstanding principle of non-interference, say analysts.

Clashes between its two member states on July 24 left at least 12 dead, following two months of brewing border hostilities.

The sharp escalation underscores Asean's limitations in handling intra-regional disputes, experts told The Straits Times, and raises fresh questions about its relevance in managing crises among its own members.

The regional grouping has a narrow window in which to act, said Ms Joanne Lin, a senior fellow at the ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute, arguing that neutral members could potentially step in to broker talks or quietly facilitate de-escalation.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said late on July 24 that he has spoken to Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.

Datuk Seri Anwar said he appealed, in Malaysia's capacity as the current Asean chair, to both leaders for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further hostilities and to create space for peaceful dialogue and diplomatic resolution.

"I welcome the positive signals and willingness shown by both Bangkok and Phnom Penh to consider this path forward," Mr Anwar said in a social media post. "Malaysia stands ready to assist and facilitate this process in the spirit of Asean unity and shared responsibility."

Until Mr Anwar's comment late on July 24, the conflict had not been publicly raised — not even at the recent Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

When asked about the issue during a press conference on July 11, Malaysia's Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan called it a bilateral issue and reaffirmed the group's traditional stance of non-interference.