ASEAN plays crucial role in handling Thailand-Cambodia border crisis

Director of the Institute of East Asian Studies of Thammasat University, Associate Professor Dr Chaiwat Meesanthan, said Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as the current ASEAN Chair, can play the role of mediator to bring both sides to the negotiating table.

"This helps to inspire confidence that the process of conflict resolution is being done fairly and with transparency. Having said that, the real resolution still hinges on the sincerity and willingness of the Thai and Cambodian governments to work together," he told Bernama.

Chaiwat explained that ASEAN may only intervene with the mutual consent of both sides.

"A long-term resolution requires continuous and sincere negotiations between the two countries.

"Mechanisms such as the Joint Border Committee (JBC) or the formation of a special committee incorporating a third party such as ASEAN can act as a mediator, observer, and guardian in negotiations," he said.

Chaiwat stressed that abidance by international law, such as the ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the Preah Vihear Temple, is also crucial.

"Efforts such as joint demarcation and collaborative economic development in the disputed areas can create win-win situations without requiring the use of force," he added.

On Sunday, the premiers of the two countries agreed to attend peace talks in Malaysia slated for 3 pm in Putrajaya, with the meeting to be chaired by Anwar.

Anwar held separate talks with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia on Friday, urging both sides to agree to an immediate ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Lecturer at the Institute of Peace Studies of Prince of Songkhla University, Associate Professor Chokchai Wongtanee, opined that the best way forward for the border crisis is through the use of ASEAN and Anwar as a third party in peace negotiation talks.

"Both countries should take advantage of the goodwill that exists within the ASEAN member countries to negotiate and seek a resolution that can lead to peace, not war," he said.

According to Chokchai, the most important thing at the moment is for both countries to pause fighting and restore peace, and subsequently use diplomatic and political approaches to resolve the dispute.

He said the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia stems from historical borders and overlapping maps inherited from the era of French colonialism.

The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia came to a head on Thursday (July 24) with armed clashes along the northern border of Cambodia.

To date, more than 20 people have been reported killed on the Thai side, while Cambodian authorities have confirmed the death of 13 people, including five soldiers, in the conflict. Thousands of civilians on both sides of the border were forced to evacuate.

-- BERNAMA