As Kuala Lumpur prepares to host the most important ASEAN summit in recent years on October 26, Malaysia has announced the construction of a 50-kilometer barrier in the state of Kelantan to combat criminal trafficking from Thailand. And the princess of Bangkok is donating funds for a wall on the border with Cambodia.

At the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur on 26 October, Malaysia wants to secure a lasting ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia. But the border dispute is also fuelled by the issue of online scam centres. Bangkok blames Phnom Penh for tolerating illegal activities and demands scam centres be dismantled as a condition for peace. Meanwhile, Thai Prime Minister Anutin is stoking nationalism for domestic consumption ahead of upcoming elections.

After more than 40 years in camps, thousands of refugees see the prospect of long-awaited change. Karen refugee: ‘I have never seen my homeland’ and ‘if Thailand allowed us to work legally, everything would change’. A workforce that could also help fill the gap left by Cambodians following clashes on the border. New air raids by the junta in Shan State.

Thailand’s National Security Council laid down the principles to manage the border crisis with Cambodia. Concerns remain over Chinese military support for Phnom Penh, even though Beijing downplays the issue. The murderer of Lim Kimya, a former Cambodian lawmaker who opposed Hun Sen, has been sentenced to life in prison. The reasons for the act are still unknown.

Bangkok's currency continues to rise against the dollar: its value has risen by 8% since the beginning of the year, despite economic fundamentals that do not justify such a trend. With a political crisis effectively postponed until the early elections in 2026, there is a risk that speculative manoeuvres will further undermine exports (already struggling with Trump's tariffs) and tourism.

More than 50 bishops and Church leaders from the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences met in Samphran from 22 to 26 September. The focus was on the Synod's final document and the Bangkok Document. Discussions included the role of local Churches and communion with the poor and neighbouring faiths. The 12th Plenary Assembly will be held in Bali in 2026.