Bangkok: the Editorial of The Jakarta Post entitled ‘Thai military’s bad example’ on 16 September 2025, a closer examination of globally accepted norms suggests that Thailand’s military-backed system should be regarded as a negative example. Historically, the Thai military has served as a positive force, but the current situation warrants an academic discussion grounded in reason and evidence.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, The Thai military’s positive role is highlighted in an academic work by Phromnachanok Ketphan, titled ‘Royal Thai Army’s Role in De-escalating the Thai-Cambodian Border Dispute: A Case Study of Suranaree Command (2012-2022)’. Ketphan illustrates that from 2008 to 2011, in the case of the Preah Vihear temple, boundary issues were securitised, leading to armed conflicts. The research analysed the Suranaree Command’s efforts from 2012 to 2022, demonstrating how reconnaissance and surveillance were used to address potential issues promptly with Cambodian counterparts. Despite these efforts, the Command’s limited authority meant it could not resolve prolonged issues like boundary demarcation. This necessitated collaboration between military and non-military agencies to foster a peaceful and friendly border environment, which served as a positive model for ASEAN.
Conversely, The Jakarta Post’s Editorial suggests that Thailand, despite being a founding ASEAN member, often distances itself from the bloc’s policies, exerting significant economic and military influence over its neighbours. The Thai military’s legally sanctioned, undemocratic path to power poses a risk, offering a potentially dangerous blueprint for regional leaders. Such actions undermine ASEAN’s principles of democracy, rule of law, and good governance.
A recent article in the Khmer Times further emphasises Thailand’s distancing from ASEAN policies. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s declaration that dialogue with Cambodia is contingent upon specific preconditions indicates a confrontational stance rather than a path towards peace. These preconditions highlight Thailand’s departure from regional cooperation efforts.
Recommendations from the ASEAN Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on Vision 2020 stress the importance of meeting basic needs and ensuring ‘dignity and security’ for citizens. ASEAN must strive to remain relevant as a community devoted to peace, freedom, and justice. As a member of the ASEAN EPG 2020, there is a call for the Thai military and government to cease actions violating the dignity and security of Cambodian citizens along the Cambodia-Thailand border.