Thai-Cambodian Clashes Continue Despite ASEAN Observer Deal

Fierce border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia are ongoing, despite a new agreement to deploy regional observers. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak announced that both nations have agreed to allow observers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to monitor the disputed frontier. The move is aimed at reducing tensions. However, the agreement has not yet stopped the fighting. After a brief quiet period on Tuesday evening, combat resumed at several locations along the 817-kilometer border. The long-standing dispute centers on the area immediately surrounding an ancient temple. The conflict has caused civilian evacuations, damage to property, and dozens of military and civilian casualties in recent days. ASEAN, a regional bloc of ten nations, is attempting to mediate a ceasefire. The deployment of neutral observers is seen as a critical first step toward formal peace talks.