Kuala Lampur, June 7 -- As Asean grapples with the prolonged crisis in Myanmar, another challenge has emerged from within its own ranks - one that, if handled wisely, could help the regional bloc mature into a more credible conflict manager.

The recent fatal border skirmish between Cambodia and Thailand near the long-contested Preah Vihear Temple area has once again brought historic grievances to the surface.

A Cambodian soldier was reportedly shot dead by Thai forces in May 2025 during a patrol near the disputed "Emerald Triangle" zone. In response, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced his intention to bring the matter before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), even without Thai consent.

While this incident could deepen ...