Readers discuss the real issue behind the Thai-Cambodian border escalation, why global citizens must choose peace, and inclusivity in Hong Kong
The fighting near Preah Vihear belies a deeper contest over illicit capital and influence. The border is not the real issue; it is the pretext.
Perhaps most troubling is Asean’s inertia. As with the Myanmar crisis, the regional bloc has been unable to move beyond statements of concern. Its credibility as a conflict resolution body is at stake.
This is not a war of peoples, but of powerful individuals protecting their stakes. Cambodia and Thailand share a deep, complex history that should not be reduced to the whims of ageing strongmen or electoral calculations.
Restoring calm will require more than a ceasefire. It demands renewed commitment to institutional dialogue, regional mechanisms and the rule of law. If the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is to remain relevant, it must treat this crisis not as an anomaly but as a symptom of broader regional fragility.
