Seven-point border de-escalation agreement reached by Thai and Cambodian military leaders
In a significant development aimed at reducing hostilities along their shared border, Thai and Cambodian military commanders have reached a seven-point agreement. This landmark accord was reached on July 29, 2025, following intense negotiations at the O Smach International Border Checkpoint in Oddar Meanchey Province.
The agreement, which was affirmed in the Chong Chom area of Surin Province, marks a crucial first step after recent border clashes. The talks involved high-ranking commanders from both sides, reflecting a shared commitment to reduce hostilities through direct military dialogue.
The seven-point agreement includes an immediate ceasefire, a prohibition on firing at civilians, a halt to troop reinforcements, and a prohibition on troop movement. Moreover, the agreement stipulates the establishment of a joint coordination team for communication and facilitates the repatriation of injured and deceased personnel.
The agreement awaits further discussions based on the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting scheduled for August 4, 2025. If any problems arise, Military Region 4 and Military Region 2 will jointly resolve them, with four individuals from each side.
The meeting was not limited to the O Smach International Border Checkpoint. The Thai 1st Army Region had already held separate discussions with their Cambodian counterparts in Sa Kaeo Province. Similarly, the meeting between Lt Gen Pov Heng, Commander of Cambodian Military Region 4, and Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, Commander of Thailand's 2nd Army Region, was an online meeting between the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defence Force (BTDF) and Cambodia's Military Region 3.
Despite this progress, the ceasefire’s durability remains uncertain. The long-standing territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, compounded by nationalist politics and historical mistrust, continues to challenge lasting peace. The ceasefire was achieved under international pressure, including mediation efforts involving Malaysia, the United States, and ASEAN.
Experts caution that peace remains fragile and that Cambodia may still be preparing for future conflict, despite the agreements. However, the dual reporting from both Thai and Cambodian sources underscores a shared commitment to de-escalation and direct military-to-military dialogue.
This seven-point agreement has led to a temporary ceasefire and established mechanisms for cooperation to reduce border tensions. However, deep-rooted issues and political complexities mean the overall situation remains volatile and requires sustained diplomatic and military engagement to achieve lasting peace.
- The seven-point agreement, reached under international pressure and involving mediation efforts from Malaysia, the United States, and ASEAN, offers a temporary ceasefire and establishes mechanisms for cooperation in the context of international war-and-conflicts, aiming to reduce hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia.
- The shared commitment to de-escalation and direct military-to-military dialogue, as seen in this agreement, is significant in the complex political landscape of general news involving Thailand and Cambodia, where long-standing territorial disputes and historical mistrust continue to challenge lasting peace.
