Deadly Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes Challenge Asean Unity

Deadly clashes between Thailand and Cambodia along their disputed border have escalated sharply, resulting in at least 11 deaths, including civilians, and multiple injuries. The fighting involved artillery, rockets, and Thai airstrikes using F-16 fighter jets targeting Cambodian military positions near the contested Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple, with both sides accusing each other of initiating the conflict. The violence has severely damaged civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, and led to the closure of all border crossings by Thailand, which has also urged its citizens to leave Cambodia. Diplomatic relations have deteriorated further, with mutual embassy expulsions and Cambodia downgrading ties in response to Thailand's military actions. ASEAN has remained publicly silent on the issue, adhering to its principle of non-interference despite the rising tensions and deadly confrontations between its member states. Analysts emphasize the military disparity between Thailand's significantly larger and more advanced forces and Cambodia's smaller, less equipped military, raising concerns about the risks of strategic miscalculation escalating the conflict.