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The Sun
21 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Five things to know about the Thai-Cambodia border spat
BANGKOK: A Thailand-Cambodia territorial row has ignited a political crisis in Bangkok, pushing the government there to the brink of collapse. Tensions flared between the Southeast Asian countries after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a border clash at the end of May. The audio of a diplomatic call between the two sides intended to sooth the spat was leaked on Wednesday -- its contents provoking widespread anger towards the Thai leader. Here are five things to know about the border causing friction between the neighbouring nations: Colonial hangover Thailand and Cambodia's 800-kilometre-long (500-mile) border was largely drawn during the French occupation of Indochina between 1863 and the mid-1950s. Thai political scientist Thitinan Pongsudhirak said that the mapping agreed between the French and the Kingdom of Siam -- encompassing Thailand's current territory -- remains the 'crux of the problem' today. In World War II, Siam gained certain Cambodian territories but was forced to hand them back to French rule in 1946. The 1979 overthrow of Cambodia's communist Khmer Rouge regime blurred the boundaries further as its last members fled to the border region for refuge. Dozens of kilometres remain contested and in 2008 military clashes erupted over a patch of land next to Preah Vihear, a 900-year-old UNESCO-recognised temple on the border. Sporadic violence from 2008 to 2011 led to the deaths of at least 28 people and displacement of tens of thousands. A new chapter The latest crisis erupted on May 28 when a Cambodian soldier was killed in an exchange of gunfire with the Thai army at the border, with both sides claiming they had acted in self-defence. The armies agreed to reposition their troops, and restrictions were imposed on border crossings. But peace-seeking talks stalled and Cambodia banned imports of Thai fruit and vegetables, and cut off internet routed through its neighbour. On Wednesday, a weekend phone conversation between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodia's former prime minister was leaked, with Paetongtarn accused of appeasing Phnom Penh and undermining the Thai army. One of her key coalition partners has backed out, leaving her government teetering on the brink of collapse. International adjudication Cambodia has asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to settle the border dispute. The UN tribunal granted Phnomh Penh sovereignty over the Preah Vihear temple in 1962 and over a small patch of land surrounding it in 2013, but Thailand does not recognise its jurisdiction. Prime Minister Hun Manet said earlier this month that Cambodia had filed a new complaint with the ICJ over four disputed areas, but Thailand has pushed to seek a solution through a nearly 30-year-old bilateral mechanism. Political scientist Thitinan said Cambodia's fresh complaints to the ICJ would likely lead to 'an unfriendly relationship for many years'. Domestic dynamics Analysts say the conflict reveals an uneasy mood in both nations. Cambodian political analyst Ou Virak said the country is 'desperate to stand up to what could be perceived as bullying by a bigger neighbour'. But he warned the 'nationalist flame can easily be ignited and is very difficult to put out'. In Thailand analysts say the conflict is being fanned by long-standing tensions between the Shinawatra political dynasty and the Thai army, which has staged a dozen coups and remains immensely influential in periods of democratic rule. The latest border flare-up 'has allowed the Thai military to stay on top of the civilian government,' said Thitinan. Diplomatic dressing-down The dispute looked set to continue, as Bangkok summoned Cambodia's ambassador to deliver a 'protest letter' over the leaked audio. 'This action taken by the Cambodian side is totally unacceptable,' said Thai foreign ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura. 'It breaches diplomatic etiquette, is a serious violation of trust and undermines relations between the neighbouring countries.'
a day ago
- Politics
A Canada-Israel rift is widening over UN votes and sanctions
Israel's war with Iran has temporarily delayed a reckoning with some of its main Western allies, but seems unlikely to close what has become a yawning gap between them over its conduct in Gaza and the West Bank. The relationship's not in great shape, said former Canadian ambassador to Israel Jon Allen. Frankly, it shouldn't be. The gulf between the Canadian and Israeli governments widened further on June 12 as the Carney government took a firmer position against Israel's war in Gaza than its predecessor, voting for a UN motion (new window) similar to one that the Trudeau government had abstained on in September. At the time, the government explained (new window) that while it supported the creation of the Palestinian state and the International Court of Justice's role in upholding the international rules-based order, it could not support a resolution where one party, the state of Israel, is held solely responsible for the conflict. The Trudeau government also flagged concern over language that aligns with the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement targeting Israel. Canada's reservations appear to have fallen by the wayside. While neither UN resolution directly called for boycott or divestment of Israel, the earlier one did demand targeted sanctions on individuals engaged in settler violence — something Canada ultimately did last week (new window) . After initially agreeing to discuss the vote with CBC News, Global Affairs Canada rescinded approval of an interview request with Canada's permanent representative to the UN, Bob Rae. The department did not to explain its change of posture. WATCH | Netanyahu says Canada is 'emboldening Hamas': Début du widget Widget. Passer le widget ? Fin du widget Widget. Retourner au début du widget ? Netanyahu accuses Carney of 'emboldening Hamas' after D.C. shooting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attacked Canada, France and the U.K. in his response to the killing of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, saying that 'when mass murderers, rapists, baby killers and kidnappers thank you, you're on the wrong side of justice.' Israel's Ambassador to Canada Iddo Moed responds to the countries' joint warning of sanctions over Israel's expansion of the war in Gaza, telling Power & Politics that 'Israel has the capability of conquering Gaza in half a day.' Plus, NDP interim leader Don Davies addresses a letter from three of the party's seven MPs calling out his selection as leader. Allen said Israel's reaction to Canada's threat of sanctions in May inflamed the situation. Bibi [Netanyahu's] response, I thought, was despicable. It was vile, he told CBC News, as the Israeli prime minister connected a joint statement (new window) from Canada, the U.K. and France to the killing of two Israeli diplomats in D.C. (new window) It was using the worst of allegations to score political points. Tensions between Israel and Canada remain high over the sanctioning of two Israeli cabinet ministers. But under the Trump administration, there's no reason Israel would worry about the U.S. applying any such pressure. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Norway to reverse course (new window) . The U.S. ambassador to Israel invited the sanctioned ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, to the U.S. embassy in a show of support. Ambassador Mike Huckabee said the sanctions against them were a shocking decision, arguing they have not conducted any criminal activity. But the two have long histories of racist and violent rhetoric (new window) and both have previously spent time in Israeli government custody for their words and actions. The five Western governments pointed to repeated inflammatory statements (new window) by the ministers encouraging the use of starvation and other illegal methods in Gaza, and their repeated calls for its population to be displaced and replaced with Jewish settlers, as justification for the sanctions. The U.S. also recently warned other governments not to attend a planned summit, to be hosted by France and Saudi Arabia at the UN, that aims to revive the hope for a two-state solution — an objective long held by most of the world including the U.S. outside of the two Trump administrations. Rubio sent a diplomatic cable threatening (new window) other countries with unspecified consequences if they took part, according to Reuters. An official with Global Affairs Canada told CBC News that Canada decides its own foreign policy and would not be influenced by the U.S. note. That summit has been postponed due to the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Iran. But Allen thinks it likely that Canada will ultimately attend, regardless of any pressure from Washington. 'There is no peace process' The former diplomat said Canada could likely expect blowback from the U.S. if it were to officially recognize a Palestinian state, but argues it would probably be less serious than what he experienced in Washington when the Chrétien government opted to sit out George W. Bush's invasion of Iraq. Allen was invited to testify on the topic at the Commons foreign affairs committee last year, where he said he saw overwhelming support for the idea — including by members of the Liberal caucus. But obviously the government is weighing its classic relationship with Israel, and its relationship with the U.S., and its relationship with the diaspora community here on that one, Allen said. WATCH | Trump doesn't rule out bombing Iran: Début du widget Widget. Passer le widget ? Fin du widget Widget. Retourner au début du widget ? Trump weighing use of U.S. bunker-busters in Israel's fight with Iran The U.S. is the only country with the bombers and bunker-busting bombs that would be required to destroy Iran's most secretive nuclear site, the mountain facility at Fordow. Spain, Ireland and Norway all recognized the state of Palestine during the course of the current Gaza war, as do 144 other countries. He expects Canada would do the same in conjunction with the U.K., France, Australia, for example. He said the strongest argument to do so is to show Israel it doesn't have a veto over when Palestinian territories could become a country. They expand settlements, they advocate the depopulation of Gaza. And then they say, oh, you know we have to have a peace process in order to recognize a Palestinian state, Allen said. The obvious response is: there is no peace process. Evan Dyer (new window) · CBC News
Economic Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
What is the Emerald Triangle that may lead to a war between two neighbors and bring down a prime minister
A quiet border turns into a tense military flashpoint—how one dispute could spark a war and shake political power in Thailand. This rising crisis in Southeast Asia is far from over, and every move now carries massive consequences. Synopsis The Emerald Triangle dispute is quickly turning into a serious crisis between Thailand and Cambodia. What started as a small trench-digging issue has now become a tense military standoff, risking war and political fallout. With troops on both sides, rising border clashes, and growing calls to take the issue to the International Court of Justice, the Emerald Triangle could shake the stability of Southeast Asia. Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is under mounting pressure, and any wrong move could cost him his position. This developing story holds major geopolitical weight—and it's not over yet. The Emerald Triangle dispute: Could this border clash bring war and topple a prime minister? Tensions are rising fast around the Emerald Triangle, a remote but highly sensitive area where Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos meet. It may look like a quiet border zone on the map, but recent clashes and military moves have made it a flashpoint that's now threatening to spark a regional conflict—and possibly bring down Thailand's Prime Minister. ADVERTISEMENT The Emerald Triangle came into global headlines when Cambodian and Thai troops exchanged fire near the disputed border in late May 2025. Since then, both countries have fortified positions, villagers have been caught in fear, and political pressure is mounting. At the heart of the issue: a long-standing disagreement over where exactly the border lies in this mountainous zone. But now, it's not just a cartography issue—it's a test of leadership, diplomacy, and peace in Southeast Asia. The Emerald Triangle border dispute isn't new. Thailand and Cambodia have had overlapping claims in this forested, rugged area for years. But things turned dangerous on May 28, when both sides confirmed that troops had exchanged gunfire, leading to injuries and panic among border communities. According to Thailand's military, Cambodian soldiers had started digging trenches in the disputed zone. Cambodia later said this was to protect its border post. In response, Thailand deployed reinforcements, closed local checkpoints, and put residents on alert. Some families began digging bunkers, fearing the worst. By early June, Cambodia agreed to stop the trench digging and restore the land, but not before the conflict stirred up political debate at home and across the region. Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, now President of the Senate, claimed the land was rightfully Cambodian, based on internationally recognized maps. He also urged both countries to take the issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to settle it phone call, reportedly shared by Hun Sen with 80 politicians before being leaked, featured Paetongtarn speaking candidly about a sensitive border dispute. She addressed Hun Sen — a long-time friend of her family — as 'uncle' and criticized a Thai army officer involved in managing the flare-up at the Thai-Cambodian border. ADVERTISEMENT 'He just wanted to look cool and said things that are not useful,' she said of the Thai military commander, sparking a backlash over perceived disrespect to the powerful Thai Paetongtarn later defended her comments as a 'negotiation technique,' critics say the call showed weakness in leadership and compromised Thailand's stance on a long-standing territorial dispute. ADVERTISEMENT On Wednesday, the Bhumjaithai Party, Thailand's second-largest political party and a key member of the ruling coalition, officially withdrew support for Paetongtarn's government. With its departure, the Peu Thai-led coalition now holds a razor-thin majority in more coalition parties are scheduled to meet later today to decide their stance — meaning a complete collapse of the ruling alliance is a real possibility. ADVERTISEMENT Paetongtarn apologized on Thursday, stating, 'I would like to apologise for the leaked audio… which has caused public resentment,' but the damage might already be Emerald Triangle conflict has become a serious test for Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who is already under pressure from coalition struggles and growing economic challenges. With the military on alert and the public nervous, any misstep could cost him his job—or worse, risk dragging the country into a deeper conflict. ADVERTISEMENT Srettha's government is still new and doesn't have full control over the military, which has a history of acting independently. The Thai armed forces are monitoring the border closely and may push for more aggressive moves if tensions flare up again. If the military loses faith in Srettha's handling of national security, it could spark calls for a change in leadership. Political analysts in Bangkok have warned that the Emerald Triangle issue could become a "trigger event"—something that starts as a local skirmish but ends up breaking apart the government. And in Thailand's history, military pressure has often led to either reshuffling the Cabinet or full-blown coups. There's still hope that diplomacy will win. On June 12, both Cambodia and Thailand agreed to de-escalate after a high-level meeting. Cambodia promised to fill the trenches, and both countries said they'd avoid further moves in disputed areas. But the story isn't over. Hun Sen continues to press the ICJ route, saying only the international court can fairly settle the boundary issue. Thailand, on the other hand, hasn't yet confirmed if it will agree to ICJ arbitration. Both sides claim to have official documents and maps backing their claims, and neither wants to back down publicly. That means the peace is fragile. While both governments may want to avoid war, border tensions can escalate quickly, especially if local commanders or military units act on their own. That's why experts are calling for immediate talks, a ceasefire agreement, and third-party observers—possibly from ASEAN or the UN. The leak added fuel to a simmering border row between the two nations. In May, a deadly clash at a contested border zone led to the death of a Cambodian soldier. Since then, tensions have escalated. In response to Thai restrictions, Cambodia banned the import of Thai fruits and vegetables, halted Thai dramas on TV and in cinemas, and reduced Thai internet and power usage. Meanwhile, Thailand also imposed tighter border controls and entry restrictions on Cambodian citizens. In a diplomatic letter, Thailand's foreign ministry called the leak 'deeply disappointing,' adding it 'will severely affect ongoing efforts… to resolve the problem in good faith.' The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute stretches back more than a century, linked to a 1907 map drawn under French colonial rule. Cambodia has cited that map to support its territorial claims, while Thailand rejects it as inaccurate. Disputed areas include sites like Mom Bei (Chong Bok) — where the May clash happened — and three ancient temples, including the Preah Vihear Temple, which was awarded to Cambodia in a 1962 ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Thailand accepted that ruling, but disputes about land surrounding the temple have continued to spark violence. Most recently, Cambodia submitted a new case to the ICJ over four disputed border points. Thailand, however, does not accept the court's jurisdiction and prefers bilateral negotiations. The pressure on Paetongtarn, the youngest and only the second female prime minister in Thailand's history, is growing. She took office in August 2024 after her predecessor Srettha Thavisin was removed by the Constitutional Court for violating appointment rules. Opposition leaders and even some of her own coalition members have called for her to step down. Paetongtarn, daughter of exiled and now-returned former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, also faces scrutiny over her family's close ties with the Cambodian Hun political dynasty. Hun Sen, Cambodia's former leader, has said he will no longer engage in private phone calls with Paetongtarn. He also admitted sharing the leaked audio and later posted the full 17-minute conversation on his official Facebook page. The fallout from the leaked call could shift regional dynamics. Cambodia has asked the ICJ to intervene, while Thailand remains firm in preferring bilateral talks. Both countries have shortened visa stays for each other's citizens, and economic retaliation continues on both sides. Tensions remain high, with mass rallies in Phnom Penh on Wednesday drawing tens of thousands of Cambodians in support of their government's firm stance. Hun Manet, Cambodia's new Prime Minister and son of Hun Sen, addressed the crowds, saying, 'When the country faces a threat… we will stand up in united spirit.' With national pride and political futures at stake in both nations, observers say the situation could deteriorate further unless cooler heads prevail. Q1: Why is Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra under pressure to resign? Because of a leaked phone call with Hun Sen that upset the public and political allies. Q2: What triggered the latest Thailand-Cambodia border tensions? A fatal border clash in May and fallout from the leaked call escalated the dispute. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates. NEXT STORY
The Citizen
a day ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Closing Israeli embassy would further jeopardise trade relations, says SA Jewish Board
Relations between Pretoria and Tel Aviv have been strained since 2018. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said South Africa has not yet decided whether to close the Israeli embassy in Pretoria. Responding to questions in parliament on Tuesday, Lamola said the embassy remains downgraded until Cabinet reaches a decision to completely close it. 'Consultations have taken place within the relevant government cluster systems to prepare a memorandum for submission to Cabinet in accordance with the constitutional principle of the separation of powers…the authority to decide on the possible closure of the Israeli embassy in South Africa rests solely with Cabinet. 'Once the Cabinet has deliberated and reached a final decision, the Department of International Relations and Corporation will act in accordance with these directives. 'At this stage, the embassy remains downgraded,' he said. South Africa is processing the matter 'objectively' Lamola denied that there is pressure from external forces to abandon proposed plans to shut down the Israeli embassy. This follows speculation that South Africa's posture towards Israel played a role in the rocky relations between South Africa and the United States (US). 'Cabinet has to undergo its internal processes which it will be undergoing to deal with this matter, and it is being processed, and it will be processed objectively in line with The Constitution of South Africa with no external pressure to be exerted on the South African government by any forces or anyone and the South African government will act within its sovereignty to be able to take a decision informed by the facts and policies, constitution, national development plan and its own national interests,' he said. The EFF had proposed the closure of the Israeli embassy and had received the backing of the ANC. Sanctions against Israel Lamola said he could not confirm if South Africa will place economic or other sanctions against Israel. 'This is a matter that will require Cabinet to deliberate on to exert these economic sanctions or any other pressures that may need to be exerted,' he said. Lamola said he had noted some actions that have been taken against Israel by other countries. He stated that South Africa is continuing its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). 'As honourable members are aware, we have already taken action against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ)…the wheel is coming into full circle with all member countries of the UN either putting sanctions or exerting political pressure through political channels,' he said. Meanwhile, Lamola said the South African government still believes in a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. Tensions between these two nations have led to instability in the Middle East. 'South Africa's position with regard to the two-state solution if firmly remaining and we continue in that position. We continue to argue for a cessation of hostilities and for the Israel Defence Force (IDF) to stop its military operation in Gaza,' he said. ALSO READ: Iran launches fresh wave of attacks on Israel What is the difference between a downgraded embassy and a functional one? Lamola explained to MPs the difference between a fully functional embassy and a downgraded embassy. 'The downgraded embassy facilitates the normal process of visa and travelling of civilians between countries with no full operation of an embassy in terms of liaising political, diplomatic, and economic relations between the two countries,' he said. Lamola said he could not give clear timelines on when the Israeli embassy would be closed. However, he said he expected the Cabinet to have made a decision by the end of the year. SAJBD responds Wendy Kahn, the national director at the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD), said closing the Israeli embassy would further jeopardise the mutually beneficial trade relations between the two countries. 'This could well greatly undermine the country's foreign investment prospects. Particularly at this fraught time in the Middle East, South Africa should further be helping to promote dialogue and understanding, rather than engaging in politically partisan boycott actions that do nothing to further peace prospects and are not in the interests of this country as a whole,' she said. Kahn said closing down the embassy would be unjust and discriminatory. 'Closing the Israeli embassy would be completely contrary to South Africa's own vital interests. 'We are seeing more than ever the detrimental consequences of closing the South African embassy in Israel, with many thousands of SA citizens now finding themselves stranded without recourse to consular services or any kind of assistance from their own government,' she said. NOW READ: Israel denies whispering in Trump's ear for sanctions against SA
Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
A look at soaring border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Tens of thousands of people gathered in Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh on Wednesday for a march to show their solidarity with the government and military, amid soaring tensions with neighboring Thailand following a border row that erupted last month. Here's what to know about the latest dispute between the two Southeast Asian neighbors. The recent dispute was triggered in May after armed forces of Thailand and Cambodia briefly fired at each other in a relatively small 'no man's land' territory along their border that both countries claim as their own. Both sides have said they acted in self-defense. One Cambodian soldier was killed. While the countries said afterwards they have agreed to de-escalate the situation, Cambodian and Thai authorities continue to implement or threaten measures short of armed force at each other, keeping tensions high. Thailand has added restrictions at the border such as limiting crossing times and barring Thai casino tourists and workers from crossing into Cambodia. Cambodia has banned Thai movies and TV shows, stopped the import of Thai fruits and vegetables and boycotted its neighbor's international internet links and power supply. Border disputes are long-standing issues that have caused periodic tensions between the two neighbors. Thailand and Cambodia share more than 500 miles of land border. The contesting claims stem largely from a 1907 map drawn under French colonial rule that was used to separate Cambodia from Thailand. Cambodia has been using the map as a reference to claim territory, while Thailand has argued the map is inaccurate. In February, Cambodian troops and their family members entered an ancient temple along the border in one of the disputed areas and sang the Cambodian national anthem, leading to a brief argument with Thai troops. The most prominent and violent conflicts broke out around the 1,000-year-old Preah Vihear temple. In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded sovereignty over the area to Cambodia and that became a major irritant in relations. Cambodia went back to the court in 2011, following several clashes between its army and Thai forces which killed about 20 and displaced thousands of people. The court reaffirmed the ruling in 2013, a decision that still rattled Thailand. Similar to the Phear Vihear area, Cambodia is seeking a ruling again from the ICJ over several disputed areas, including where the deadly clash happened. Thailand has said it doesn't accept the jurisdiction of the ICJ and that any conflicting border claims between the two should be solved by the existing bilateral mechanism, including a joint committee which was established in 2000 as a technical means to discuss the survey and demarcation of the land border. Cambodia nevertheless said it has submitted the case to the ICJ, and insisted that it would no longer discuss these areas under the two countries' bilateral mechanism. Tensions have soared as they engaged in a war of words that appeared intended to mollify nationalistic critics on both sides of the border. The ill feeling between the two neighbors is not just about overlapping border claims, but also deep-seated cultural enmity that has its roots from centuries ago, when they were large and competing empires. In more modern times, bad feelings have lingered, as Cambodia's development, hindered by French colonialism and, in the 1970s, the brutal rule of the communist Khmer Rouge, has fallen well behind Thailand. Both have fought over claims on cultural products ranging from boxing, mask dancing, traditional clothing and food. Cheang and Saksornchai write for the Associated Press. Jintamas Sakssornchai contributed to this report from Bangkok.
