Multiple insurgent attacks in southern Thailand; Filipino soldier, communist rebels killed in clashes
Ambush killed two in southern Philippines and more news in latest Southeast Asia armed conflict summary (25-31 August 2025).
Rising conflict tensions across Southeast Asia last week underscored persistent fragility in border disputes, insurgencies, and peace processes. The Thai-Cambodian border crisis worsened with threats of open fire orders, while multiple insurgent attacks struck southern Thailand. In the Philippines, heavy fighting with communist and local insurgents mixed with surrenders and peace efforts, but concerns over the Bangsamoro process persisted. Myanmar saw escalated offensives and Chinese political interference, while Indonesia and Malaysia continued counterterrorism vigilance.
On the Thai-Cambodian border, tensions escalated as Thai troops were ordered to open fire if Cambodian soldiers encroached. A Thai soldier was injured by a border landmine, and schools were closed amid rising fears along the frontier. Insurgents staged multiple coordinated attacks in the southern provinces of Narathiwat and Yala, underscoring the continuing unrest in the deep south.
In the Philippines, violence persisted with a soldier and communist rebels killed in clashes in Capiz and Northern Samar, while an ambush in Maguindanao del Sur left two dead and six wounded. Civilians fled Tapaz as military operations against the communist insurgent group, the New People’s Army (NPA), intensified. Authorities uncovered NPA arms caches in Misamis Occidental and elsewhere, and seven soldiers received medals for bravery. A series of surrenders included 23 militants in Maguindanao del Sur, a top NPA leader in Bukidnon, and fighters in Surigao del Sur. Military officials declared there were no more active guerrilla fronts in Negros.
Meanwhile, an alleged Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters member was arrested in Cotabato, a drug den owner linked to terror groups was killed in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and a new Basilan Army chief was appointed. Local leaders in Patikul signed a recovery charter, while police and soldiers pledged peaceful elections in BARMM. Reports warned of a trust deficit threatening the Bangsamoro peace process, even as President Marcos emphasised the role of local governments. Colombia hailed the Philippines as a peace model.
Meanwhile, China urged Manila not to “hype up” maritime issues, protested a Taiwan foreign minister’s visit, and was accused of deploying sleeper agents in the Philippines. Manila pressed on with defence expansion, announcing a new base in Batanes, while the National Security Council reaffirmed a peaceful stance.
The Myanmar conflict flared as thousands fled a regime offensive in Shan State, the junta recaptured the Alpha Cement Factory, and a deadly airstrike hit Wetlet. The regime declared the Karen National Union a terrorist organisation and intensified operations, including arrests in Sagaing and preparations for a Chin State counteroffensive. China deepened its influence by endorsing the junta’s election. At the same time, despair in Rohingya refugee camps was reported to be pushing youths toward armed insurgency.
Indonesian authorities warned of…