The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute

[Jun]

As far as I'm concerned, this is still the main Thai news topic.

Many of the boys in Jomtien can only get stamped in for 6 nights and many more do at least some of their visa runs to Cambodia.

[Gaybutton]

As far as I'm concerned, this is still the main Thai news topic.

Ok, ok - I'm outvoted. The topic stays under "Announcements"

[Gaybutton]

China the key to a lasting Thai-Cambodian peace say experts

By Barry Kenyon

August 1, 2025

Donald Trump may have shocked Thailand Cambodia into a hastily-arranged ceasefire, but his interest has flagged now that he has awarded both countries a trade deal. The tariff levy on imports to US has reduced from a 36% threat to 19%, on a par with similar deals with Indonesia and the Philippines according to the White House.

But the real potential dealmaker is China with a keen interest in avoiding more trouble in her own backyard. Following the Malaysian-backed ceasefire on July 28, both Thailand and Cambodia rushed diplomats next day to Shanghai to meet with Chinese vice-minister for foreign affairs, Sun Weidong. The general idea was to show Beijing has a far more sincere and friendly partner than the unpredictable Trumpian US.

Thitian Pongsudhirat, professor of international relations at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn university, said that China had regional stakes such as smooth trade and trouble-free communications to pursue her own influential agenda in south east Asia. But Trump simply wanted a peacemaking deal, a fact which has enabled Beijing to represent itself as a more understanding and respectful mediator in the long run.

Meanwhile The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has published a detailed report on the arms buildup in both Thailand and Cambodia. Phnom Penh has grown ever closer to Beijing as well as Moscow. In the recent flareups, Cambodian troops deployed Chinese PHL-81 multiple rocket systems, whilst Russian-made infantry tanks were also in action. The stereotype that Cambodia is still heavily dependent on Soviet era technology is a myth, according to arms experts. Military drones were used effectively on both sides.

Whilst Thailand has also moved closer to China, especially since the military coup of 2014, she has still purchased American technology such as F-16 fighter jets, supported by US platforms, and Swedish-made Gripen aircraft. The 2025 border spats have shown that, although Thailand has a much bigger army and a hugely-better military budget, the fighting is more balanced than was the case in earlier violent border confrontations. The notion that Thai forces in a future war could reach Phnom Penh in a week is nonsensical, according to the Office of Strategic Studies, a European thinktank.

The United Nations Security Council recently stated an obvious wish for a ceasefire but did not endorse sending UN peacekeeping troops, nor order border investigations nor authorize a referral to the International Court of Justice at The Hague. The 10-nation Asean bloc can be helpful in future by hosting conferences or profiling its influential chairman Anwar Ibrahim, prime minister of Malaysia. But if a solution is to be found to the ongoing Thai-Cambodian disputes, the most effective influencer is China. No matter how long it takes.

https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... rts-512212

[christianpfc]

I bet TAT are having convulsions right now.
If this conflict continues you can bet that many tourists will forego making plans to visit Thailand this high season which is perfectly understandable.

The effect on Cambodia tourism is much worse. Many people travel to Cambodia via Thailand, often over land, and now would stay in Thailand or go elsewhere (other than Cambodia).

[Dodger]

The effect on Cambodia tourism is much worse. Many people travel to Cambodia via Thailand, often over land, and now would stay in Thailand or go elsewhere (other than Cambodia).

Good point.

[Gaybutton]

Sisaket residents urged to stay away as border threats and unexploded ordnance remain

By Pattaya Mail

August 4, 2025

Sisaket province has issued a warning to residents living near the Thai–Cambodian border, urging them not to return home due to ongoing security risks. As of 9:00 p.m. on August 2, the Provincial Public Relations Office, under Deputy Governor Suriya Butjinda, instructed all district chiefs to inform evacuees that it is still unsafe to return and that they must remain in temporary shelters or safe areas until further notice.

District officials were ordered to make public announcements and ensure residents rely solely on official government updates. Local leaders, including village heads and community security teams, are tasked with patrolling their areas and reporting any suspicious objects, such as unexploded ordnance, to authorities for safe removal. Extreme caution is advised in areas affected by recent conflict.

Residents have also been told not to panic if they hear loud noises near the border, as these may be controlled detonations carried out by bomb disposal teams clearing leftover explosives from earlier clashes.

All districts have been directed to maintain heightened alert under a “rear-area defense” strategy, beefing up security and monitoring in vulnerable areas until the situation stabilizes.

https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnew ... ain-512551

[Gaybutton]

Nothing about compensation for civilian deaths and injuries or for those who lost homes, businesses, and other damages.

"Go back? To what?"
- Charlton Heston (Judah), 'Ben Hur'
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Thailand and Cambodia sign 13-point ceasefire agreement

Both sides express hope that agreed terms will lead to restoration of peaceful coexistence along border

August 7, 2025

Thailand and Cambodia have reached a landmark agreement on a 13-point ceasefire plan aimed at de-escalating tensions along their shared border and fostering peace between the two nations.

The agreement was formalised on Thursday afternoon during a special ministerial session of the General Border Committee (GBC) in Kuala Lumpur, which followed three days of intensive official-level negotiations.

Leading the Thai delegation was Deputy Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit, in his capacity as acting defence minister because the top position remains vacant. He was joined by his Cambodian counterpart, Gen Tea Seiha.

Also present were international observers from China, the United States and Malaysia in its capacity as the chair of Asean this year.

The Malaysian Chief of Defence Forces acted as a facilitator for the talks, symbolising a neutral stance between the two nations.

After more than an hour of discussion, Thailand and Cambodia unanimously endorsed the 13-point ceasefire protocol.

The new framework builds upon a prior 7-point agreement discussed at the regional military command level, and was developed collaboratively by Thai agencies and the Cambodian GBC Secretariat. It includes key provisions such as:

* A complete and unconditional ceasefire
* Protective measures for civilians
* A freeze on troop reinforcements and movements
* Facilitation of the return of displaced individuals
* The establishment of a bilateral rapid coordination team, with four representatives from each side, to ensure continuous communication and immediate conflict resolution
* Commitments to refrain from provocations, violations of agreements, or territorial intrusions.

Both sides expressed hope that the accord would lead to lasting peace and stability along the border, fostering harmonious coexistence between the peoples of the two nations.

Gen Natthaphon and Gen Tea Seiha formally signed the document, reflecting the consensus reached over three days of discussions. Thailand also reaffirmed its support for bilateral mechanisms as a means of resolving disputes effectively and peacefully.

Gen Natthaphon earlier in the day paid a courtesy call on Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya after his arrival in Kuala Lumpur.

The Thai side expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s role as the Asean chair and its ongoing support in promoting regional peace — particularly through its facilitation of the GBC discussions.

During the meeting, Thailand reiterated its firm stance on resolving border conflicts through peaceful means, upholding international law, and maintaining mutual respect for national sovereignty, said government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub.

Also participating in the GBC meeting with their Cambodian counterparts were Gen Songwit Noonpakdee, Chief of Defence Forces; Gen Thongchai Rodyoiy, Army Chief of Staff; Adm Phairoj Fueangchan, Navy Chief of Staff; and ACM Watcharapol Muangnoi, Air Force Chief of Staff. They were joined by officials from the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior, along with representatives from key national security agencies.

Asean observers

The defence officials agreed to allow observers from Asean to inspect disputed border areas and help ensure that hostilities do not resume following a violent five-day conflict that ended in a ceasefire on July 28.

The worst fighting in over a decade included exchanges of artillery fire and jet fighter bombing runs that claimed at least 43 lives — military and civilian — and displaced more than 300,000 people on both sides of the border.

Fighting continued despite diplomatic interventions from China and Malaysia, both calling for restraint.

The leaders of Cambodia and Thailand only came to the negotiating table when US President Donald Trump told them that tariff negotiations would not continue unless there was peace.

“There will be an observation team of Asean military attaches based in Thailand and Cambodia, led by Malaysia,” Gen Nattaphon told reporters at a press conference after the meeting, adding that foreign inspectors based in either country would not cross the border.

“Thailand and Cambodia are neighbours with a shared border that can move away from each other … a resolution will allow our people to return to peaceful lives,” he said.

Thailand and Cambodia said in a joint statement that they would hold more talks in two weeks and then again in a month.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -agreement

[Jun]

Nothing about compensation for civilian deaths and injuries or for those who lost homes, businesses, and other damages.

I wouldn't expect that to be part of any agreement. If there is any compensation, each country would have to deal with their own costs. Any cross border payments would require admission of responsibility for starting this & the Thai army would never do that.

I'd suspect affected people might be in some difficulty. Even insurance usually has exclusions for war.

[Gaybutton]

I am happy to see so many people and entities pulling together to try to help the victims - even insurers volunteering to disregard exclusions. Try that in the USA.
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Insurers to aid border victims

by Nuntawun Polkuamdee

August 9, 2025

The Thai General Insurance Association (TGIA) is working with non-life insurance companies to determine appropriate measures to assist policyholders affected by the ongoing unrest along the Thailand-Cambodia border.

Plans are being formulated to offer financial assistance, even in cases where damages may fall under policy exclusions, according to TGIA president Somporn Suebthawilkul.

In response to the recent conflict at the border, which has harmed lives and damaged properties in nearby communities, the TGIA is engaging with non-life insurers to identify support measures to alleviate losses and hardships resulting from the unrest, said Mr Somporn.

"The association and its member companies are committed to supporting affected policyholders. The discussions have focused on providing relief for losses related to lives, property and businesses, particularly for those living in directly impacted border areas," he said.

The insurance sector is committed to handling this situation fairly and transparently, focusing on the interests of policyholders, said Mr Somporn.

"Many insurers are working on emergency assistance measures, including the provision of humanitarian aid, even though some of the damages may technically fall under policy exclusions," he said.

The TGIA urged residents in high-risk or border areas to review their insurance policies to understand the scope of coverage and any applicable exclusions.

Affected individuals are encouraged to contact their respective insurance providers or the TGIA directly for more information and guidance. Inquiries can be made via phone at 02-108-8399.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with both the public and private sectors, standing alongside Thais in crises.

The TGIA said it is dedicated to preserving the integrity, transparency and fairness of the Thai insurance system, in line with international insurance principles and its mission to strengthen national stability.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/ge ... er-victims

[Gaybutton]

Post ceasefire Cambodia now relying on asymmetric warfare

By Barry Kenyon

August 9, 2025

Cambodia, as the much weaker military combatant in recent violence, is turning to asymmetric or unconventional opportunities in the border conflicts. Whilst Cambodia has used effectively Chinese-made artillery, she has no military airforce and a much smaller army. The Thai military operates more or less independently of the civilian authorities and has a budget more than three times larger than her much smaller neighbor.

The ratification in Malaysia of the ceasefire is certainly a necessary first step, surprisingly big in scope according to Thammasat University professor Thanapat Chatinakrob. It freezes troop movements, forbids attacks on civilians or infrastructure and agrees various humanitarian moves. But these are just promises to behave, whilst the crucial omissions have been deferred to an indefinite future hosted by the General Border Commission.

Cambodia has refused to commit to the removal of landmines, or to an end to online scams, or even to comprehensive fake news cancellation. In turn, Thailand has refused to commit to not using aerial forces or removing barbed wire from certain border positions. Cambodia continues to dig trenches to reinforce bases and to reposition heavy artillery. Thai second army region two commander Boonsin Padklang has stated that human eyes, not just technology, will be needed to observe what Cambodia may be secretly planning.

Asymmetric warfare stops short of publicly firing weapons, but is designed to gain an advantage or influence international opinion. For instance, Cambodian agents have proved adept in confusing fake news about Thai atrocities such as the spraying of poison gas on civilian populations or evil bombing runs against women and children. Thai authorities have now belatedly appointed a fake news czar to combat the ongoing fraud.

Other asymmetric strategies still in use by Cambodia include claims that Thailand refuses to withdraw from “Cambodian temples” or that Thai drones are hovering over Cambodian schools and hospitals. Even the negative body language of generals at ceasefire meetings have been used to show that they don’t agree with compromises. Phnom Penh may also be tempting Bangkok into pre-emptive military action by anonymously provoking border incidents.

The core issues in the overall dispute are still unaddressed. The opening and closing of border checkpoints was not mentioned at all in the ceasefire agreement, nor the Cambodian referral of the dispute to the International Court of Justice which is, in any case, a waste of time as many countries apart from Thailand – US and China for example – refuse accept any rulings they don’t like.

ASEAN chair Anwar Ibrahim said that satellite monitoring is in place to keep watch on battlegrounds which are being remotely tracked by Malaysia’s defence attache and Asean counterparts. But even that is not entirely possible at present. Thai telecom providers AIS and Thaicom are improving communication networks in critical border areas. Enhanced 4G and 5G networks are surely essential as many contested areas have poor or non-existent internet access for satellite systems. But they are not yet in place and require huge budgets, potentially running into billions of baht.

A total resolution of the conflict calls for currently-unthinkable concessions. Thailand would need to accept international arbitration and cede Preah Vihear temple and surrounding areas, whilst Cambodia would have to give up other unmarked areas by legitimizing Thai detailed maps rather than her own versions. The best hope is that a combination of Asean neutrality and pressure from both the US and China will prevent a major outbreak of violence. As Saifuddin Nasution, Malaysian home affairs minister put it, “freezing the dispute” is the only realistic way out.

https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... are-513244