The Battle of the Temples
The deadly military skirmishes between Thailand and Cambodia since February are primarily attributable to domestic politics in both countries. A secure peace will depend mainly on how Thailand’s domestic endgame plays out in the coming months – and on Cambodia’s willingness to stay out of it.
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BANGKOK – The military skirmishes between Thailand and Cambodia that have claimed more than two dozen lives, caused scores of injuries, and displaced tens of thousands of people since February are primarily attributable to domestic politics in both countries. Rooted in ancient enmities and the legacy of the colonial era, the fighting is damaging the entire region. So virulent is the dispute that even a short-term settlement will require third-party mediation. A secure peace will depend mainly on how the endgame to Thailand’s domestic political crisis plays out in the coming months – and on Cambodia’s willingness to stay out of this process.