(Photo: Bernard Oh/Flickr/CC BY-ND)

The structural alterations brought about by the end of the Cold War have renewed attention on regionalism and a reconsideration of the role of regional security organizations in supporting international peace and security. A number of factors account for this new enthusiasm. Among them is the fact that in the post-Cold War era, regional relations have expanded and regional areas have become substantially more important venues of conflict and cooperation than in the past.

The role of ASEAN

The United Nation’s capacity to undertake additional responsibilities has become more complex, though the will of its dominant members had often been weak. This leads us to the idea that there is increased reliance on regional blocs to deal with small scale disputes. Given this context, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has, in fact, a vital role in containing, resolving and preventing conflicts in its sphere of influence, most especially with regard to its members.

Growing need to intervene

There is the growing need to intervene before simmering problems such as territorial disputes erupt into full-blown crises. However, this stance of being more inclined to intervene might change the politics of the ASEAN radically. This change, if it has an effect, would be the breakdown of the traditional ASEAN way of handling disputes informally. But will the conflict management process change as well?

The ASEAN way has been criticized for being ineffective and nothing more than a reason for the leaders to play golf and avoid regional criticism. Intervention and openly engaging in this sort of disputes resolution would make things more complicated for the ASEAN. On the other hand, if it does nothing, then it is nothing short of a “chit-chat club.” In fact, we have heard arguments for the disbandment of the ASEAN. It is said to be expensive and that it diverts attention from the proper efforts of members’ governments on the pursuit of national interest. Expenses are growing for many worldwide; it seems necessary to cut out unneeded expenses. The common people have been taking on more work, selling personal property, and taking out no credit check payday loans and no credit check cash advances.

Members often disagree with one another

ASEAN members frequently disagree with one another on important international relations issues, like the war in Iraq and regional economic issues regarding labor laws, so the idea that it helps present a “united front” is incorrect. Its institutions include surprisingly high costs. On the other hand, it is contended that ASEAN fosters regional unity, partnership and understanding among its members. If the latter idea is to hold water, then it has to find some way to resolve territorial disputes, ensure that they are contained and do not spread and that future similar disputes are prevented.

Border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia

Currently there is the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. ASEAN stands on hopes that there would be a peaceful resolution to it. However, what is it prepared to do if it escalates? The ASEAN certainly has a difficult mandate: Maintaining peace and prosperity among many different nations sometimes with only geographic proximity in common. After all, if ASEAN were to step in and try to resolve something like the most recent Thai-Cambodian standoff, it may risk angering both countries, which could result in them leaving the organization.

Sources

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=603589&publicationSubCategoryId=200

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/317664,asean-ministers-sign-dispute-resolution-protocol–summary.html

Fires have broken out and a curfew has been imposed in Bangkok in the wake of protests. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

As violence and unrest continue in Bangkok, the government has imposed a curfew.  This may be a prelude to martial law being declared in the capital of Thailand, if the situation doesn’t begin to subside. The anti-government Red Shirt protesters are not giving up, and violence is beginning to escalate.  Several foreign governments are urging their citizens to avoid Thailand altogether or to leave as soon as possible.

Bangkok protester encampment raided

The damage that has been done will take more than a little money now to undo and restore order and confidence in leadership among the citizens. According to the Christian Science Monitor, troops from the Thai military entered an encampment of anti-government protesters.  After the raid, a curfew was imposed in Bangkok as well as in other areas of Thailand.  As soon as government troops had taken over the camp, leaders of the Red Shirt protesters announced they would surrender to avoid further violence and bloodshed.  Following this announcement, further violence broke out in Bangkok streets, and several buildings were set on fire in apparent arson attacks.

British Government advises Britons to leave Thailand

Following the violent Bangkok protests, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised British nationals to avoid traveling to Thailand, according to the BBC.  The British Embassy had closed on May 14 due to violence in the capital. They are advising Britons in Bangkok and other areas of Thailand to stay home if at all possible, and if they must travel, to do so after curfew hours with all appropriate paperwork to ensure their safety.  Thai officials said travel after curfew hours will be fine if all passports and appropriate paperwork are on hand and people are cooperative with police and military checkpoints.

Further unrest

After the raid on the encampments of Red Shirts, numerous buildings were set on fire, and emergency services had difficulty extinguishing the blazes. The Red Shirt protesters are deeply unsatisfied with the current government, and are calling for the government to hold immediate elections.  It may be some time before order is restored.

In Bangkok, red shirt protests and clashes with military have been increasing. Image from Flickr.

Thursday evening, the capital of Thailand was rocked with several grenades; the Bangkok explosion is serving only to worsen tensions between anti-government red shirt protesters, government troops and pro-government “no color” protesters. The Bangkok explosion started when at least five M-79 grenades were shot into the business district of the heavily populated city. The government of Thailand is seeking cash advance loans to help quell the protesters, while anti-government groups are building makeshift forts in large areas of the city.

Bangkok explosion origin unknown

The origin of the Bangkok explosion is currently under heated debate. Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Suthep Thaugsuban, told reporters that the Bangkok grenade attacks originated with an M-79 grenade launcher, which has a 400-meter shooting range. He claims “it was clear that it was shot from behind the King Rama VI Monument where the Red Shirts are rallying.” However, Sean Boonpracong, a Red Shirt spokesman and Jatuporn Prompan, a Red Shirt protest leader, deny that the Red Shirts had anything to do with the Bangkok explosion.

Casualty reports of the Bangkok explosion

Reports of injuries and deaths from the Bangkok explosion are still coming in. The grenades were shot into many heavily populated areas, including train stations. The Bangkok explosions also ripped through a “no-color” pro-government rally. Current reports are that three are dead and at least 75 are wounded.

Bangkok explosions at a time of high tension

For the last six weeks, mostly poor and rural Red Shirt protesters have been marching on the Thai government, demanding immediate governmental elections. Less than two weeks ago, the government used payday loans from its own treasury to send in troops to disperse Red Shirt protesters in Bangkok, but the ensuing clashes led to 25 dead and hundreds injured.

Many Red Shirt protesters are starting to take over sections of Bangkok, reinforcing them with sharpened bamboo sticks. The government has warned the protesters that they will face “live weapons and tear gas” if they do not disperse. For the most part, Red Shirt protesters are claiming that the current government, the result of a 2006 coup, is illegitimate.

Sources:

New York Times
National Post
Wall Street Journal
Sydney Morning Herald