Asean should consider giving Cambodia the boot

The Cambodian delegation, in its attempt to block a joint statement by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in Vientiane, over the grouping’s standpoint on the South China Sea, is evidently working for Cambodia’s own benefit and against that of the regional grouping.
This is not the first time Cambodia has acted against Asean’s combined interests. In 2012, as host and chair of Asean, Cambodia prevented Asean foreign ministers from releasing a joint statement after their annual gathering in Phnom Penh.
Issuing a joint statement after a yearly meeting has been a custom in practice for Asean ever since the grouping’s formation in 1967.
Hence, Cambodia’s membership in Asean should be seriously reconsidered by the grouping – for its own survival, unity and prosperity.
Sometimes, a finger needs to be cut off in order to save the rest of the body.
Vint Chavala
Bangkok