TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia erupted into clashes on Thursday, claiming at least 16 lives and injuring 46 others. Entering the second day of the fighting, hundreds of thousands of residents have been evacuated.
The battle broke out near the Prasat Ta Moan Thom Temple in Surin Province, which has been the central point of the dispute. The situation was aggravated by the use of heavy weapons, rockets, and fighter jets from both sides. Thailand accused Cambodian forces of initiating the attack, while Cambodia in turn blamed Thailand for territorial violations.
The Thai military previously claimed that Cambodia initiated the attack by flying a surveillance drone over its territory and later deploying rocket systems. In response, six Thai F-16 fighter jets attacked two military points in Cambodian territory.
War Tests ASEAN's Neutrality
Ahmad Khoirul Umam, the Director of Postgraduate Studies in International Relations at Paramadina University, believes that the ongoing conflict is a true test of ASEAN's prided neutrality. The regional bloc thus far has been well-known for its ability to maintain peace and regional stability post-World War II and the Cold War.
But the Southeast Asian bloc's neutrality is now tested "now that the conflict is turning into a war, using modern weapon systems," he said in a written statement received by Tempo on Friday, July 25, 2025.
Indonesia and Malaysia at Stake
According to Umam, Indonesia's position as "the big brother" of ASEAN is once again at stake, including Malaysia's leadership in the bloc. He questions whether these two countries are capable of urging Thailand and Cambodia to exercise restraint and return to the negotiation table.
Umam also believes that President Prabowo Subianto's administration must take concrete action, by "urging Foreign Minister Sugiono to run shuttle diplomacy and meet with representatives from the Thai and Cambodian governments."
Proposal for ASEAN
The main objective of the shuttle diplomacy, Umam says, is to halt the escalation. Indonesia and ASEAN are advised to offer the presence of observers, and even peacekeeping forces from ASEAN countries, to ensure that the conflict does not spread further.
Another suggestion is for ASEAN to initiate ceasefire talks. "ASEAN must be able to push for a ceasefire, formulate a conflict resolution integration scheme, and determine the timeline for the resolution process," Umam said, underscoring the urgency of these measures to maintain regional stability to support the region's economic development.
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