Why Philippines as Asean chair may leave Thai-Cambodian peace problem to US, China

SCMP | Jan. 4, 2026, 6:59 p.m. | Original
VID

People stand beside a crater in front of a damaged police station following clashes between Cambodian and Thai soldiers in Banteay Meanchey province on Saturday. Photo: AFP

The Philippines as Asean chair for 2026 will have to decide how much to intervene in the Thailand-Cambodia row. However, observers warn that the bar for the bloc in conflict-resolution “is not very high”.

Analysts expect flare-ups throughout the year between the Southeast Asian neighbours due to long-standing historical differences, despite attempts to establish a truce last year.

These include a deal brokered by US President Donald Trump in October in Malaysia, and a meeting on December 29, between Thai and Cambodian officials in China’s Yunnan, where they yet again agreed to rebuild mutual trust.
On Friday, Cambodia accused Thai forces of “annexing” a village along a disputed border area, marking no end in sight to a festering row that has displaced millions and led to more than 50 deaths.
A man kneels beside unexploded mortar shells following clashes between Cambodian and Thai soldiers in Boeung Trakoun village in Banteay Meanchey province on Saturday. Photo: AFP
A man kneels beside unexploded mortar shells following clashes between Cambodian and Thai soldiers in Boeung Trakoun village in Banteay Meanchey province on Saturday. Photo: AFP

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