ASEAN Warns It Cannot Ignore Cambodia–Thailand War as Civilian Toll Mounts

JAKARTA / PHNOM PENH (Dec. 18, 2025) — ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn warned that the regional bloc cannot turn a blind eye to the escalating armed conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, as mounting civilian casualties and mass displacement expose growing concerns over ASEAN’s ability to respond decisively to crises among its own members.

Speaking at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on Dec. 11, Kim Hourn said ASEAN members “cannot ignore the continued fighting between two member states,” noting that the violence has drawn widespread regional and international attention and triggered urgent calls for an immediate ceasefire, de-escalation, and a return to dialogue.

“The people of ASEAN, especially communities living along the border, are suffering severely,” he said, stressing that peace must be given a chance as civilians bear the brunt of the conflict.

Kim Hourn underscored that ASEAN must adhere to its core principles under the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, which commit member states to the peaceful settlement of disputes and the preservation of regional peace and stability. He praised Malaysia’s leadership as ASEAN Chair, particularly Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s diplomatic efforts to promote restraint and dialogue.

Despite appeals for peace, criticism is mounting that ASEAN’s response remains largely rhetorical. Cambodian academic Dr. Gnel Ratta described ASEAN in 2025 as little more than a “discussion club,” arguing that consensus-based decision-making has paralyzed meaningful action. He noted the bloc cannot even issue a condemnation without the approval of the country accused of aggression.

Political scientist Kin Phea echoed the criticism, saying ASEAN members have stayed passive due to competing national interests. “Calls for restraint have amounted to meaningless statements without real action,” he said, warning that ASEAN’s credibility as a regional community is at risk.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Cambodia continues to deteriorate. According to the Interior Ministry, fighting has spread beyond frontline provinces, forcing civilians to flee even in areas that do not share a border with Thailand.

From Dec. 7 to the morning of Dec. 18, shelling and airstrikes killed 18 civilians and injured 79 others, authorities said. The violence displaced 144,086 families — 476,224 people — including more than 240,000 women and 130,000 children.

Border provinces such as Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, Preah Vihear, and Oddar Meanchey remain hardest hit, but families have fled as far as Battambang, Pursat, Koh Kong, and Kampot, underscoring the scale of the emergency.