ASEAN at 59, time to deliver
As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations turns 59, it should use the occasion to reflect on both its past progress and current challenges to determine future delivery in view of its diamond jubilee next year.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) marks its 59th anniversary today, a moment to reflect on past achievements and current obstacles. Established in Bangkok on August 8, 1967, this 11-member grouping should use this milestone to determine future deliverance. The founders' decision to work together remains relevant today.
However, some challenges are likely to persist for a long time. Myanmar's crisis, the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute, and slow progress on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) are major issues. Myanmar's junta has only allowed Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, now 81, to meet a Red Cross representative once since 2021.
This limited engagement falls short of ASEAN's 2021 expectations of ceasefire and dialogue. The Thai-Cambodian conflict, rooted in history, continues to haunt ASEAN due to its emotional nature and both governments' desire to use it for domestic popularity. Cambodia has diplomatic leverage, as the International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear temple belongs to Cambodia.
Thailand rejects this ruling. As ASEAN celebrates its diamond jubilee next year, member states must honestly confront these challenges to ensure future success.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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