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- Asep Haryono | Cambodia and Thailand at war. Possible treat to Southeast Asia's Stability and unity - Powered by Blogger
Have you been following the news lately? Things are heating up between Cambodia and Thailand, and not in a good way. These two countries, both members of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), are now facing a serious armed conflict that’s raising alarms across Southeast Asia. So what’s going on? And why does it matter to the rest of us in the region?
As a citizen of the Republic of Indonesia, my country is a member of the South East Asian Countries, is so sad to see and watch our neighbor countries at war.
I want to speak up
The fighting started around disputed border areas, especially near old temple sites like Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom. But this isn’t just about ancient stones and mapsthere are deep political tensions, national pride, and military buildups involved. Now that both sides are using weapons like artillery and even fighter jets, it’s no longer just a border skirmish.
It's spreading beyond Cambodia and Thailand.
First, ASEAN’s Unity Is at Risk ASEAN has always promoted peace, non-interference, and friendly cooperation. Now, with two of its members at war, that peaceful image is starting to crack. People are asking: If ASEAN can’t stop this conflict, can it really keep the region stable?
Second , Trade and Tourism Are Suffering The Cambodia and Thailand border is a busy place for trade, small businesses, and tourism. With the conflict, many of those routes are now closed or unsafe. Truck drivers, market sellers, and hotel owners are feeling the hit. Tourists are canceling plans. Investment is slowing down. In short, the economy on both sides and even in nearby countries is being affected.
Third, Refugee Crisis at the Border. Over 160,000 people have already fled their homes. Many are seeking safety in nearby towns, shelters, or across the border. It’s a growing humanitarian crisis, and countries like Vietnam and Laos are worried about how it might spill over into their territories too.
Fourth. Global Powers Are Watching Here's where it gets tricky. If Thailand leans toward the West (like the U.S.), and Cambodia relies more on China’s support, it could drag in bigger international powers. That would turn a local fight into something more dangerous possibly a proxy conflict right in the heart of Southeast Asia.
Fifth. ASEAN’s Reputation Is on the Line This war is testing ASEAN like never before. Can the organization act quickly enough to mediate peace? Or will this be another case where words are plenty but actions are weak? Right now, ASEAN leaders are scrambling to hold emergency talks. Fingers crossed that something positive comes from that soon
Image from Freepix
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Indonesia Steps In: A Voice of Peace
As the biggest country in ASEAN, Indonesia is known for its role as a peacemaker in the region. I am pleased that The Indonesian government has already offered to act as a mediator between Cambodia and Thailand, urging both sides to calm down and sit at the table. Indonesia’s foreign minister, Retno Marsudi, has called for a ceasefire and opened the door for ASEAN-led dialogue. They’ve also been working with humanitarian groups to provide refugee support and food aid to those affected.
And it’s not just about helping others Indonesia knows that if this conflict spreads, it could affect regional trade, tourism, and security, including Indonesia itself. So, stepping in as a peace broker is not only the right thing to do it’s also a smart move for everyone.
Please stop the war
I often think of Southeast Asia as a peaceful region with friendly neighbors and lots of delicious food. But what’s happening between Cambodia and Thailand is a wake up call. It’s a reminder that peace needs effort, dialogue, and real leadership. Thankfully, countries like my country , Indonesia, are stepping up to help calm things down before it gets worse. Let’s hope the fighting stops soon for the sake of both countries, and for the entire region of the South East Asian
We have already witnessed the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the brutal battle between Palestine and Israel. So please, let’s not drag the peaceful South Asian countries into a high-tension situation that could escalate into a regional confrontation potentially even leading to World War III.
As a citizen of the Republic of Indonesia, my country is a member of the South East Asian Countries, is so sad to see and watch our neighbor countries at war.
I want to speak up
The fighting started around disputed border areas, especially near old temple sites like Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom. But this isn’t just about ancient stones and mapsthere are deep political tensions, national pride, and military buildups involved. Now that both sides are using weapons like artillery and even fighter jets, it’s no longer just a border skirmish.
It's spreading beyond Cambodia and Thailand.
First, ASEAN’s Unity Is at Risk ASEAN has always promoted peace, non-interference, and friendly cooperation. Now, with two of its members at war, that peaceful image is starting to crack. People are asking: If ASEAN can’t stop this conflict, can it really keep the region stable?
Second , Trade and Tourism Are Suffering The Cambodia and Thailand border is a busy place for trade, small businesses, and tourism. With the conflict, many of those routes are now closed or unsafe. Truck drivers, market sellers, and hotel owners are feeling the hit. Tourists are canceling plans. Investment is slowing down. In short, the economy on both sides and even in nearby countries is being affected.
Third, Refugee Crisis at the Border. Over 160,000 people have already fled their homes. Many are seeking safety in nearby towns, shelters, or across the border. It’s a growing humanitarian crisis, and countries like Vietnam and Laos are worried about how it might spill over into their territories too.
Fourth. Global Powers Are Watching Here's where it gets tricky. If Thailand leans toward the West (like the U.S.), and Cambodia relies more on China’s support, it could drag in bigger international powers. That would turn a local fight into something more dangerous possibly a proxy conflict right in the heart of Southeast Asia.
Fifth. ASEAN’s Reputation Is on the Line This war is testing ASEAN like never before. Can the organization act quickly enough to mediate peace? Or will this be another case where words are plenty but actions are weak? Right now, ASEAN leaders are scrambling to hold emergency talks. Fingers crossed that something positive comes from that soon
.
Indonesia Steps In: A Voice of Peace
As the biggest country in ASEAN, Indonesia is known for its role as a peacemaker in the region. I am pleased that The Indonesian government has already offered to act as a mediator between Cambodia and Thailand, urging both sides to calm down and sit at the table. Indonesia’s foreign minister, Retno Marsudi, has called for a ceasefire and opened the door for ASEAN-led dialogue. They’ve also been working with humanitarian groups to provide refugee support and food aid to those affected.
And it’s not just about helping others Indonesia knows that if this conflict spreads, it could affect regional trade, tourism, and security, including Indonesia itself. So, stepping in as a peace broker is not only the right thing to do it’s also a smart move for everyone.
Please stop the war
I often think of Southeast Asia as a peaceful region with friendly neighbors and lots of delicious food. But what’s happening between Cambodia and Thailand is a wake up call. It’s a reminder that peace needs effort, dialogue, and real leadership. Thankfully, countries like my country , Indonesia, are stepping up to help calm things down before it gets worse. Let’s hope the fighting stops soon for the sake of both countries, and for the entire region of the South East Asian
We have already witnessed the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the brutal battle between Palestine and Israel. So please, let’s not drag the peaceful South Asian countries into a high-tension situation that could escalate into a regional confrontation potentially even leading to World War III.
A Message From Asep Haryono
"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well. Please leave any comment down below. Let me hear from you. Greetings from Indonesia"
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