Thai military confirms border presence
Thailand and Cambodia Remain in Ceasefire Following Border Dispute
In a significant development, Thailand and Cambodia have reached a ceasefire agreement following intense fighting that escalated in late July 2025. The ceasefire was agreed upon at a meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) held in Kuala Lumpur on August 7, 2025.
The situation remains tense, but Thailand's military has stated that troops will remain at 11 key border sites for the time being, despite the ceasefire talks. The dispute is historically complex, involving contested territorial claims and nationalist politics, with tens of thousands displaced during the fighting.
The proposed eight-point plan to de-escalate the situation and form a framework for peace includes mutual ceasefire in disputed zones, protection of civilians, no increase in troop numbers or armaments, a freeze on movements of currently stationed troops, arrangements for handling the injured and returning bodies, establishment of a joint coordination team, adjustments to troop deployments, and formalization of policies if the agreements are adopted.
The ceasefire agreement signed during the August 7 meeting further detailed commitments such as halting weapon use including attacks on civilians, freezing troop deployments as of July 29, refraining from provocative actions such as airspace violations, complying with international humanitarian law regarding prisoners, prompt consultation at local levels to prevent escalation, and avoiding spreading false information.
The GBC talks and ceasefire are being monitored by ASEAN observers led by Malaysia, with China, the US, and Malaysia attending key defense minister-level talks to test the sincerity and implementation of the ceasefire agreement.
Following the ceasefire agreement, no clashes have occurred, and the overall border situation remains calm, with some military posts being reinforced but no troop buildup. Barbed wire fences and troops have been deployed to prevent incursions.
Thai authorities have also announced that they may relax restrictions for agricultural drones, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will brief Thai ambassadors and diplomats abroad on Thursday via a virtual meeting on its stance. The Thai delegation to the talks will be led by Deputy Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit.
Cambodia appears sincere in its intention to uphold the ceasefire, as shown in the preliminary agreement. The talks on Thursday will be observed by representatives from China, the United States, and Malaysia. It is hoped that these discussions will lead to a lasting peace and resolution of the territorial disputes between the two countries.
**Sources:**
- BBC News
- Reuters
- Al Jazeera
- The Diplomat
- The Nation
The ceasefire in war-and-conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia, detailed in the agreement signed on August 7, 2025, is being closely monitored by international bodies such as ASEAN, China, the US, and Malaysia. Progress in politics regarding the dispute, including the proposed eight-point plan and ongoing talks, is being reported extensively in general-news sources like BBC News, Reuters, Al Jazeera, The Diplomat, and The Nation.
