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Economic Times
2 days 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 Star
06-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Southern insurgency escalates, Thai govt to crackdown on militant leaders
BANGKOK: The southern insurgency in Thailand has reignited, cornering the government and prompting a renewed plan to hunt down and dismantle militant leadership networks. Three main groups have been targeted by insurgents in the deep southern border provinces: Thai Buddhists, state officials (including civil servants, military personnel, police, and volunteers), and Muslims who cooperate with state authorities. A series of coordinated attacks recently shocked the region, including: >A shooting of monks and novices collecting alms in Saba Yoi District, Songkhla Province >A mass shooting in Tak Bai District, Narathiwat Province, which left three people dead—including a 9-year-old child and a 70-year-old elder—and two others injured >A drive-by shooting in Cho-airong District, Narathiwat, where a 76-year-old blind woman was killed and her 50-year-old son seriously wounded as they were heading to a hospital The attackers deliberately targeted vulnerable individuals, aiming to provoke outrage—and succeeded. The violence drew widespread condemnation and increased pressure on the government to act decisively. ALSO READ: Gunman kills three in conflict-hit southern Thailand Security analysts believe this resurgence of violence stems from several key factors: 1. Stalled peace talks under both the Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra governments, particularly after Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai called for a strategic overhaul but failed to appoint an official Thai representative for dialogue. 2. Internal conflict within the BRN (Barisan Revolusi Nasional) between older and newer factions, leading the newer generation to operate independently. 3. Timing with the holy month of Ramadan, which historically sees heightened tensions. 4. Reduced security checkpoints on minor roads in response to local complaints during 'Ramadan Panjor' policy implementation. 5. Fatigue among security forces, resulting in lapses in vigilance. 6. Political manoeuvring to push for special administrative status in the region. 7. Government leaders' public statements, seen as setting pressure timelines, may have provoked insurgents. Deputy DefenCe Minister Gen Nattapon Nakpanich is scheduled to visit the southern provinces on May 7 to meet with stakeholders, including religious leaders, and energise local security forces. Similarly, Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Phana Klaewplodthuk will follow up on operations led by Lt Gen Paisan Nusang, commander of the 4th Army Region, who has deployed proactive paramilitary ranger units. Currently, there are nine regiments (144 companies) of ranger forces and six female ranger units (45 squads) operating in the region as part of seven task forces, covering areas such as Raman (Yala), Panare (Pattani), Nong Chik (Pattani), Sai Buri (Pattani), Ra-ngae (Narathiwat), Rueso (Narathiwat), and Yaha (Yala). Their missions include suppressing violence, adapting deployment based on geography and threat levels, and integrating operations with other local agencies. Additionally, the army chief has ordered Interior Ministry volunteers to man village-level checkpoints, replacing recently withdrawn military forces. Proactive strategies also include closely monitoring known insurgents—those categoriSed as "Black Faces" (active operatives) and "Grey Faces" (indirect operatives). Authorities will also begin identifying "White Faces"—individuals with no criminal records but believed to fund or recruit for insurgent groups—aiming to expose and pressure them. The situation in Thailand's Deep South remains unresolved after years of conflict. Both militants and government forces continue to adapt in a strategic tug-of-war, with civilians caught in the middle as the true victims. - The Nation/ANN
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Albon meets Thai PM to show support for F1 race in Bangkok
Motorsport photo The chances of a Formula 1 race in Thailand continue to improve as Williams driver Alex Albon became the latest representative of the series to meet with the country's prime minister. Hopes of a grand prix around the streets of Bangkok have existed for some time but the process was stepped up last month when F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali held positive talks with prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister of Thailand, Stefano Domenicali, CEO, Formula One Group Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister of Thailand, Stefano Domenicali, CEO, Formula One Group Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images Advertisement Now ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix, Albon, a Thai-British driver who races under the Thailand flag, has also met with current incumbent Shinawatra for a successful conversation around a future grand prix and representing the nation in F1. Thailand is among a host of countries looking for a place on the already packed 24-race calendar, with a return to Argentina and a new race in Africa also hinted at by Domenicali at different stages of last season. 'I think the good thing that we were able to do in the last couple of years is focus on the places that we do believe represent the future for Formula 1,' he told Sky Sports F1 during the Australian Grand Prix weekend. 'We receive a lot of attention from other places in the world. By the way, I'm just finishing the race here in Melbourne, I'm going to Bangkok - there is a potential interest from the government to develop something there. Advertisement 'We have other places in Europe, and as you know there are interests in Africa, there are interests in South America now.' Last year, the former Ferrari boss told ESPN that 'more than 35' venues had expressed an interest in staging F1 but insisted the 24-race cap would remain in place. McLaren CEO Zak Brown recently praised the idea of adding rotational races but believes the calendar has topped out as it is. Read Also: Is F1 calendar rotation a cash grab or a sensible move? Our writers have their say Asked if F1 had reached its peak, Brown replied: 'I don't think it has hit its peak, which is quite exciting. Advertisement 'Clearly some things have peaked, 24 races. We can't do more. I would like to see, and it is something that has been spoken about in the past in order to grow the calendar, maybe have a fixed 20 races and eight that rotate every other year. 'That is a way to get into 28 markets but maintain a 24-race calendar because the calendar is very difficult on everybody, but that is a way to continue to grow the sport.' The Belgian Grand Prix became the first to sign a rotational contract with F1, agreeing to stage a round of the championship until 2031 but with races not taking place in 2029 or 2030.
Morocco World
28-03-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Myanmar Appeals for Aid as Powerful Earthquake Killed Over 140
Tan-Tan – A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, killing at least 144 people and injuring more than 730 others. Officials expect the death toll to rise as rescue efforts continue. The earthquake was one of the strongest to hit the country in recent years. It shook parts of Southeast Asia, with tremors felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand, and China's Yunnan province. The earthquake prompted an unusual response from Myanmar's military government, which has largely isolated the country during its ongoing civil war. The junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, declared a state of emergency and made a rare plea for international assistance. 'We issue an open invitation to any organizations and nations willing to come and help the people in need within our country,' he said late Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, home to about 1.5 million people. Videos shared online showed buildings crumbled and roads buckled as people ran into the streets. The quake also caused a partial collapse of a mosque in Taungoo, killing three people. In neighboring Thailand, the earthquake caused significant damage, especially in Bangkok. An under-construction high-rise building near Chatuchak Park collapsed, killing at least eight people and trapping over 100 others. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared an emergency zone in the capital and mobilized rescue teams to search for survivors. The earthquake has struck Myanmar at a time of extreme crisis. Since the 2021 military coup, the country has been embroiled in a brutal civil war, with armed rebel groups controlling large parts of the country. The ongoing conflict has weakened Myanmar's healthcare system and disaster response capabilities. Humanitarian groups, including Amnesty International, have urged the junta to allow unrestricted access for aid organizations. The United Nations special rapporteur for Myanmar, Tom Andrew, warned, 'This earthquake is a disaster on top of a disaster.' He noted that over 20 million people in Myanmar already need humanitarian assistance, with 3.5 million internally displaced due to the war.
South China Morning Post
24-03-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Thailand's trillion-baht plan to bypass the Malacca Strait moves ahead
Thailand has unveiled draft legislation to create a special economic zone in the south of the country that would pave the way for a multibillion-dollar transport project linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Advertisement The bill would establish a commission to speed up development of the Southern Economic Corridor in the provinces of Chumphon, Ranong, Suratthani and Nakhon Si Thammarat, according to a Transport Ministry statement. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra 's Pheu Thai party is proposing the so-called Landbridge project at a cost of about 1 trillion baht (US$29 billion), to link two proposed seaports on either side of the country's southern peninsula with a new highway and rail line. Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen The 100km (62-mile) connection would cut shipping times between the Indian and Pacific oceans by bypassing the Malacca Strait – a narrow sea lane between Malaysia and Singapore that is one of the world's busiest ocean routes. The new commission, chaired by the prime minister, will be responsible for the development of logistics, infrastructure, information technology and other facilities in the specified areas, according to the draft bill. It will also be in charge of finding the money to fund the project. The draft bill is being presented for public hearing before proceeding to the cabinet and parliament. Srettha Thavisin, Thailand's then-prime minister, stands in front of an infographic depicting the Landbridge project at a presentation in November 2023. Photo: Facebook/Srettha Thavisin Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin , also from the Pheu Thai party, previously pitched the Landbridge project to overseas investors during visits to the US and China.
