Malaysia-Facilitated GBC Process Offers Model For Managing Regional Disputes
By Nabilah Saleh
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- With the October ASEAN summit approaching, the recently concluded General Border Committee (GBC) process between Cambodia and Thailand is being seen as a model for how the region can manage hot button issues and build stronger, lasting peace.
Senior Researcher at Universidad del Desarrollo’s Faculty of Government, Dr Brice Lee Tseen Fu, said the meeting held in Kuala Lumpur has shown that mediators, neutral on-site observers, direct hotlines, and regular review meetings are critical to de-escalating tensions.
He added that these tools could be adapted for maritime incidents in the South China Sea, speeding up Code of Conduct talks, and for monitoring ceasefires in Myanmar.
“The GBC shows that having mediators, neutral observers on site, a direct hotline between the parties, and regular review meetings can help keep a tense situation under control.
“At the October summit, ASEAN could formalise these measures so they are ready to be used quickly in future conflicts,” Lee told Bernama.
The GBC meeting, held from Aug 4 to 7, was hosted by Malaysia as ASEAN Chair.
The meeting ended with both sides pledging to respect the ceasefire, avoid unprovoked firing or new military infrastructure, and protect civilians.
Lee said Malaysia’s stewardship has been cited as proof that regional diplomacy can deliver results when there is trust in a neutral facilitator.
By getting Thailand and Cambodia to accept ASEAN observers alongside those from the United States and China, and hosting the talks at Wisma Perwira, Malaysia helped turn tense border exchanges into a more structured conflict management process.
“It was progress between the two countries and also a sign that ASEAN can take on a more active role in maintaining peace.
“Having both major powers and ASEAN members on site would broaden oversight, increase transparency, and make it harder for either side to contest the credibility of findings.
“It would also set a useful precedent for how the region can handle sensitive disputes collectively,” he added.
Lee also highlighted that with the Philippines set to take over the ASEAN chairmanship next year, continuity in Thailand-Cambodia border cooperation will hinge on institutionalising the GBC framework.
This includes formalising observer arrangements, fixing a timetable for regular meetings, and creating a joint reporting system acceptable to both sides.
He opined that the Philippines, given its reliance on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and International Court of Justice (ICJ)-style rulings in the South China Sea, will view the process closely.
“For ASEAN’s credibility, the process should show that negotiation can work without weakening the principles of a rules-based international order,” said Lee.
Cambodia and Thailand have also agreed to schedule the next GBC meeting within a month, with a venue to be decided later.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have been simmering since May 28 following a skirmish between troops of the two countries near the disputed Preah Vihear border area.
-- BERNAMA
