Summary
In December, the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand was broken. Attacks pushed deeper across both sides of their disputed borders. Thousands have fled the conflict zone. A Chinese-brokered peace deal was eventually reached, but tensions remain high. Meanwhile, cross-border economic activity and trade have virtually halted. Some of the fighting had reached Siem Reap, hurting Cambodia’s tourism sector during the year-end peak season. Leaders of both countries have accused their counterparts of violating the latest ceasefire.
Against this backdrop, political change is coming to Thailand. The elections are slated for 8th February, when the Thais pick their new leader to steer them through tensions with Cambodia. What bearing will the border conflict have on the polls? What hope is there for peace between the neighbours? How has the conflict undermined ASEAN unity? And what guarantees are there that hostilities will not erupt again?
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