Why ASEAN matters - in the era of great power competition

[Sandhi Yudha]

This border problem between Cambodia and Thailand exists already for decades, and over the years they sometimes exchange fire. ASEAN countries are not always compact, same with the EU, OPEC and other organizations. But all ASEAN-countries prefer peace in the area, only the way to convince other states to start peace negotiations is done in a polite and gentle way, often not in public. Totally different with the american way, by demanding and blackmailing.
If a cease fire will come between Cambodia and Thailand, big chance Trump will claim it is all because him and his great diplomatic skills. And after this he will probably demand the Nobel Price for Peace.

I didn't expect this, but it seems i was right.
This man who mix up/interfere with domestic affairs of other countries, dictate other countries what to do and actively support atrocities and ethnic cleansing in some parts of the world really thinks he has the right to get the Nobel Price of Peace.
Waarom Trump zich met elke oorlog bemoeit: 'Wil Nobelprijs voor Vrede'

 

[Ananda]

As the West turns cold, China’s tech giants warm up to Southeast Asia - with deep pockets

The likes of Tencent, Alibaba and ByteDance are pouring billions of dollars into the region. It’s less about geopolitical pressure and more about potential, analysts say.

www.channelnewsasia.com

Shown how ASEAN getting more dependence to China, not just trade and investment that's include tech to keep them competitive. Trump pushing India probably also pushing away from US 'cause', the last Asian Big power (outside Japan and ROK) that still have chances to deter China.

 

[Ananda]

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/cambodia-thailand-agree-asean-observers-ensure-ceasefire-holds-2025-08-07/

Well the neighbourhood approach perhaps being consider uneffective ways, but seems can still work. Making compromise and behind doors approach still can work.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

Sea Garuda 2025 was a joint exercise hold from 20-29 August 2025.
https://koarmada2.tnial.mil.id/2025...n-rtn-kukuhkan-persahabatan-maritim-regional/

During last week's sea phase of Exercise Sea Garuda 2025, multiple warships from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand sailed together in the Gulf of Thailand.
https://x.com/Jatosint/status/1962857932103590267

 

[Ananda]

Is the US really losing to China in Southeast Asia? | Lowy Institute

A major new research project published by the Lowy Institute says yes – but there’s more to the story.

www.lowyinstitute.org

Lowly studies shown how both China and US competing become prime influencer in ASEAN (well SEA is ASEAN). However also shown US influence mostly concentrated with Philipines and Singapore. China off course has become main influencer in Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.

This in my opinion shown why China become hostile in SCS mostly toward Pinoy. While shown more restrain to Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. Those three plus Thailand are the balancers. They are increasingly dependence with China trade and Investment, but balancing with US also on trade and Geopolitic security.

Republican stounch support to Israel this days also going to tip some balance especially with Malaysia and Indonesia public supports (thus popular votes in elections). In the end Lowly conclude that China despite SCS issue still gaining ground, and this is true within the balancer nations. However personally I still don't see the game is only between China and US, Euro and Japan-ROKA can still tip the balance, alltough not that much.

 

[tonnyc]

Timor-Leste joins ASEAN, boosting regional unity and peace

Timor-Leste officially submitted its instruments of accession to the ASEAN Charter and the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) on Saturday, ...

en.antaranews.com

Timor-Leste is now a full member of ASEAN. We welcome our brother-nation into the community and we hope together we can provide better stability and prosperity for our region.

In a more self-interested view, having Timor-Leste as member should allow ASEAN to place ourselves as a counterweight to Chinese influence in Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste would have easier access to ASEAN markets and conversely it would be easier for other member nations to invest in Timor-Leste. This should give Timor-Leste more options for their development and avoid overdependency on any single country.

 

[Ananda]

Thailand, Cambodia to cease all hostilities at disputed border in ‘peace deal’ signing witnessed by Trump

The agreement was billed as the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord and hailed as a peace deal by US President Donald Trump, but the document signed on Sunday (Oct 26) by Thai and Cambodia premiers is officially titled a “joint declaration”.

www.channelnewsasia.com

Trump fighthing back China growing influence in ASEAN. This is always be interesting, on being co-signer on one of ASEAN most pro China member peace accord. Well at least Bos Trump can put this on his CV for next year Nobel Peace selection commitee.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

On 7 December 2025 at around 14:15 afternoon, Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense stated that Thai troops had opened fire with small arms, B-40 rockets, and 60 mm mortars at a Cambodian position in Prolean Thmor area of Choam Khsant District, Preah Vihear Province. Cambodia stated that its troops immediately contacted their Thai counterparts to halt the attack, did not return fire, and that the shooting ceased by 14:32.

On Thailand's side, the Ministry of Defense stated that Cambodian forces opened fire at around 14:15 at an area around Phu Pha Lek-Phlan Hin Paet Kon of Sisaket province while Thai soldiers were carrying out a mission to improve the route from Phu Pha Lek to Phieng Fa Checkpoint. Two Thai soldiers were injured, one shot in the leg and another shot in the chest area of his body armor. Thailand stated that Cambodian forces also fired a recoilless gun into Thai territory, prompting Thai forces to return fire in accordance with the rules of engagement and international principles of proportionality.

After 7 December, the situation started to escalate.
On the morning of 8 December, fighting erupted across the border. The 2nd Army Area of the Royal Thai Army announced that the RTAF had launched an air strike campaign along the border with Cambodia in retaliation to clashes that killed one Thai soldier in Ubon Ratchathani province. The RTA also claimed that the RCA launched BM-21 rockets against Thai civilians.

At 14:30 Thailand set a ultimatum for a ceasefire at 18:00 or Thailand will use its full military strength. Thailand said it will continue using military action against Cambodia. Cambodia denied the claims that clashes resulted in the death of a Thai soldier. Cambodian information minister Neth Pheaktra later told Agence France-Presse that Thai attacks killed at least four Cambodian civilians in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear and that 10 others were also wounded.

Fighting intensified on 9 December after the ultimatum. That same day, the RTN stated that "up to 80%" of Cambodian positions including weapon and supply storage were destroyed by the Royal Thai Marine Corps (RTMC) during the operation around the "Three House" casino complex near the border of Trat province, while the RTMC suffered no casualty.
ทร. ยันนาวิกโยธินปลอดภัย พื้นที่บ้าน 3 หลัง ฐานกัมพูชากว่า 80% ถูกทำลายไปแล้ว

In this video we see the launch of multiple rockets, it is stated that these rockets are fired Cambodian BM-21 launchers. These BM-21s are not visible on the video, we only see some Thai Scorpion light tanks and M113s passing by.

In this one we can see a BM-21 on a road, and the attack by Thai F-16s on a building complex used for online gambling. According to Thailand these buildings are now used to operate UAVs.