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Asean needs a non-aggression pact before it’s too late

The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation has kept the peace, mostly. But without an explicit prohibition on aggression, South-east Asia remains vulnerable.

epa12389871 Thai rangers patrol along the Thai-Cambodian border at Ban Nong Ya Kaeo in Sa Kaeo province, Thailand, 19 September 2025. The Royal Thai Army escorted local and foreign media to the disputed border area after Thai forces clashed with Cambodian protesters who tried to remove barbed wire, using tear gas, rubber bullets, and sound devices. Cambodia said at least 28 people were injured and accused Thailand of violating the July ceasefire, while Thailand maintained it acted in self-defense. EPA/NARONG SANGNAK

Thai rangers patrolling the Thai-Cambodian border at Ban Nong Ya Kaeo in Sa Kaeo province, Thailand, on Sept 19.

PHOTO: EPA

Michael Tene

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Peace and stability in South-east Asia are constantly threatened by three types of challenges.

First, internal instability within member states, as

the crisis in Myanmar

shows. Second, disputes between Asean members, such as the

Thai-Cambodia conflict

. Third, external pressures

from great power rivalries

. Of these, inter-state disputes pose the gravest challenge to Asean, as preventing them lies at the heart of its founding purpose.

Asean needs a non-aggression pact before it’s too late

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