The Malaysian prime minister talks about a ceasefire, but the two sides continue to accuse each other as the death toll and the number of displaced mount. The border drawn by the French in 1907 and the subsequent fate of the temples of Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom provide an easy pretext for nationalism, which serves to cover up other tensions on both sides. But the disputed area has also been a crossroads of criminal activity for 50 years.

Milan (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Malaysia, which currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is trying to broker a deal to end hostilities between Cambodia and Thailand.

Since yesterday morning, the two neighbours have been exchanging artillery fire, launching rockets, and delivering airstrikes against each along their shared border.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim declared today that both sides would accept a proposal for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of their troops from the disputed area.

Speaking at the 2025 Anti-Drug World Day event in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar said both countries would respond positively but requested more time to implement the withdrawal.

Anwar held direct contacts with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's interim Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai to express Malaysia's concern about the escalation, welcoming their willingness to de-escalate the situation and implement a ceasefire.

It remains to be seen whether the hostilities can truly end. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet claims to have accepted the ceasefire, but accuses Thailand of not doing the same. For its part, Thailand has not yet commented on these reports and continues to evacuate tens of thousands of civilians.

While the death toll has risen to 16, the case has been added to the agenda of the UN Security Council for a meeting this afternoon.

There is also great concern about the type of weapons used in recent hours. Thailand has accused Cambodia of laying mines in new areas, while the latter says that the Thai air force is using cluster bombs.

What is happening has certainly put the spotlight back to the area around the Preah Vihear temple, one of the most remarkable sites from the age of the Khmer Empire, which has been historically disputed between the two countries.

Back in 2008, armed clashes occurred along the border after Cambodia put forward the holy site to be recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, resulting in deaths on both sides.

The temple is claimed by Thailand, which does not recognise the authority of the International Court of Justice. In 1962, the Court upheld the border drawn in 1907 by France, Cambodia’s then colonial power, so that it deviates from the watershed to include the historic complex in Cambodian territory.

The temples of Ta Muen Thom, Ta Muen Tauch, Ta Krabei, and the Mom Bei area are also disputed.

The latter, covering just 12 square kilometres, is at the intersection of the borders of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, known in the 1970s and 1980s as a site of criminal activity related to drug trade and production. It is now heavily mined following clashes between troops from the three countries.

The current situation is also affected by growing nationalism in the countries involved and their internal tensions.

It is no coincidence that the ongoing dispute led to the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok, undermined by her relations with Hun Sen's family.

Economic consequences are also expected. Both countries have imposed restrictions on each other, curbing cross-border trade, worth approximately US$ 5.44 billion in 2024.

Cambodia, for example, has banned imports of fruit, vegetables, energy supplies, and Internet services from Thailand.

Other issues are also expected to emerge, most notably the presence of Cambodian casinos near the border, regularly frequented by Thai citizens, as was the case with the temples.

The possibility that Thailand will also authorise casinos on its own territory raises concerns about the potentially significant loss of revenue on the Cambodian side.

(Joseph Masilamany contributed to this article)

• thailand
• cambodia
• border
• clashes
• malaysia
• asean
• temples
• casinos
• nationalism