Cambodia accuses Thailand of opening fire. The territorial dispute once again involves the area around the Ta Muen Thom and Preah Vihear temples. Since late May, tensions between the two Southeast Asian countries have increased, both of which are also grappling with domestic issues. China has offered to mediate.
Three Thai soldiers were injured while patrolling the border with Cambodia. Bangkok accuses Phnom Penh of planting new anti-personnel mines, in violation of the Ottawa Convention, while the Cambodian government claims the device that exploded is from the Vietnam War era. The incident highlights the renewed interest in these devices. Despite years of efforts and thousands of civilian casualties, Cambodia has postponed until 2030 its goal of becoming mine-free, a situation made worse by cuts in US cooperation funding.
As border posts along the 800-kilometre border remain effectively closed, Cambodia announced the introduction of compulsory military service in 2026. The domestic situation in the two countries is fuelling the dispute, as both face strong nationalist headwinds and militaries with extensive interests and power. Thailand’s highest court announced that it will rule on Thaksin Shinawatra on 22 August.
A bill has been tabled in parliament and will be debated on 11 July. Its approval is a foregone conclusion in a context where all dissent has been silenced. Prime Minister Hun Manet cites “134 countries around the world that have similar laws”. Concern for people detained for crimes of opinion and opposition party leaders living in exile.
The new coadjutor apostolic vicar of the Cambodian capital, appointed yesterday by Pope Leo, tells AsiaNews about the challenges facing the tiny local Church reborn after the persecution of the Khmer Rouge, who fifty years ago also killed Msgr. Samar, the only local bishop before him. The legacy of the martyrs, inculturation, encounter with Buddhists, but also individualism brought about by the spread of digital devices are among the pastoral priorities.
The second-largest party in the ruling coalition is ready to quit the Pheu Thai-led government. The crisis was triggered by an audio between Prime Minister Paetongtarn and a former Cambodian prime minister, in which they discussed the recent border clash. Various scenarios are now possible in the country, from new alliances to military intervention.
