The Thailand-Cambodia border dispute

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New Homes for Border Residents

August 12, 2025


Bangkok Post photo


The government has begun distributing prefabricated houses to residents in Ubon Ratchathani's Nam Yuen district, whose homes were damaged during the recent skirmishes along the Thai-Cambodian border.

Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Monday said he has instructed Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong and Deputy Interior Minister Theerarat Samrejvanich to oversee the rebuilding effort along the border and listen to local residents' concerns.

A preliminary survey carried out in Nam Yuen district found that more than 80 houses were damaged during the course of the conflict.

As part of the first phase of the effort, the government has built 11 prefabricated homes for residents of Moo 5, four of which have been handed over to affected residents. Each house can accommodate between two and five people, Mr Phumtham said.

To help with the rebuilding effort, well-behaved inmates from Ubon Ratchathani Central Prison were tapped to assist in repairing and demolishing damaged houses, giving them the opportunity to contribute to the community.

The announcement followed Mr Phumtham's visit to Surin on Saturday, where he visited a shelter for displaced residents at Rajamangal University of Technology and held a meeting with the governors of Surin, Si Sa Ket, Buri Ram and Ubon Ratchathani.

Mr Phumtham instructed the governors to facilitate the return of displaced villagers, assess property damage, expedite compensation for affected residents and provide allowances for security volunteers. He also ordered the Second Army Region to closely monitor the condition of the soldiers injured by landmines in Si Sa Ket.

The acting prime minister said the Foreign Affairs Ministry has lodged a protest with Cambodia and called on Phnom Penh to cooperate with the demining effort.

Separately, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has eased its temporary restrictions on the use of drones. Starting on Monday, farmers and agricultural operations can once again use drones to survey their property, under strict conditions.

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

[Gaybutton]

If the threat to Cambodians that if they remain in Thailand, their homes and lands will be seized, is real, then we are probably going to see a lot of that. They would have no choice other than to try to enter Thailand illegally so Cambodian authorities won't know they are in Thailand. At least in Thailand they can find work, even if it is illegal for them to work and illegal for Thais to hire them.
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Cambodians sneak back into Sa Kaeo after being jobless at home

August 12, 2025

SA KAEO: Thai soldiers arrested nine Cambodians who sneaked from their homeland into this eastern province because they were unemployed after returning home amid the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.

The Royal Thai Army said on Tuesday that a total of nine Cambodians were arrested after illegally crossing the Thai-Cambodian border into Aranyaprathet district on two seperate occasions on Monday.

Four of them comprised a Cambodian man aged 19, a Cambodian woman aged 21 and two Cambodian minors - a 15-year-old boy and a seven-year-old girl.

They met Thai smuggler Thongchai Maenpuen, 37, who was waiting for them in his vehicle near Highway 3383 at 5pm on Monday when they were arrested.

Mr Thongchai said his relative hired him to pick up the migrants for a fee of 300 baht per person.

The Cambodians said they altogether paid 13,000 baht for their illegal border crossing and smuggling. They said they had worked at the Indochina market in Aranyaprathet but returned to Cambodia last month.

In their homeland, they were jobless and had no income. So, they decided to head to Aranyaprathet again to find work.

Meanwhile, five Cambodians were arrested with luggage after entering Aranyaprathet through a natural crossing in Ban Phu Nam Liang village of tambon Pa Rai at 10pm on Monday, the Thai army said.

Two of them were a couple aged 42 and 46 years. They brought along their two children aged 13 and eight. Another illegal Cambodian migrant was a 22-year-old male. He met the family of four by chance on the natural crossing and decided to continue with them.

The Cambodians said they had done shoe-sorting work at the Rong Kluea market in Aranyaprathet but had returned to Cambodia in June. There they had neither job nor income. So, they decided to sneak back into Aranyaprathet to seek jobs from their former employer.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... ss-at-home

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Border with Cambodia 'is not ready to reopen'

August 15, 2025

Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, commander of the Second Army Region, said his forces were not ready for a reopening of the border with Cambodia, joking that it may remain closed "until his retirement".

He was mentioning this on Thursday in the context of whether the government had signalled giving the green light to reopening border crossings.

Despite the remark, Lt Gen Boonsin stressed that there is no conflict between the Second Army Region and the government over the issue, noting that his forces focus on border security, while the government handles administrative matters.

This comes as acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the plan to disband the government's Special Operations Centre for Thai-Cambodian Border Situations Management (SOC-TCBSM) will be considered again next Monday.

The acting premier, who is also the Interior Minister, emphasised that the reconsideration is needed due to the recent escalation in tensions with Cambodia, while reassuring that the government is not in conflict with the Thai military.

Lt Gen Boonsin said that a regional border committee (RBC) meeting between Thai and Cambodian military leaders is scheduled for the end of this month. The meeting will be held on Thai soil near the border.

When asked whether the meeting would address the 11 disputed areas currently under Thai control, the commander reaffirmed that Thai troops remain in place and there has been no withdrawal.

He also stated that the Ta Kwai temple area still belongs to Thailand, though a diplomatic or domestic approach is needed to restore control.

Lt Gen Boonsin also touched on the issue of landmines allegedly planted by Cambodian forces, saying surveillance efforts have been enhanced using drones and specialised equipment.

He confirmed that these landmines will be discussed during the RBC meeting, as their use violates the Ottawa Treaty, of which Cambodia is also a signatory.

Should Cambodia deny responsibility or refuse to remove the landmines, Thailand will file international protests and request involvement from the United Nations and the Thailand Mine Action Centre, he said.

Lt Gen Boonsin said troop and weapon deployments remain unchanged, as Cambodia has not eased its position on landmine usage.

He also warned that while Cambodia denies laying the mines, the Thai side is prepared to defend its stance and act accordingly if necessary.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -to-reopen

[Gaybutton]

It has been a week since any particularly significant news. I've changed the topic to a standard topic. If any important news occurs, I'll place the topic back under "Announcements".

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The dispute is still persisting. I hope it doesn't escalate into violence again, but the way things are going I don't see much hope for the borders reopening or Cambodian boys getting visas longer then 7 days any time soon.
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Thai troops told to open fire if Cambodian soldiers encroach on Thai soil

Two sides prepare for border committee meeting on Wednesday

August 25, 2026

Second Army commander Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang said on Monday he had authorised immediate retaliation by Thai soldiers if Cambodian troops were spotted encroaching on Thai sovereign soil.

The announcement followed reports of Cambodian soldiers, believed to be from the Bodyguard Headquarters (BHQ) unit of Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, were spotted near the border monitoring Thai patrol activity.

On Saturday, the 2nd Army Region also alleged that Cambodian soldiers crossed illegally into Thailand’s Surin province to plant a PMN-2 anti-personnel landmine, violating both international agreements and the bilateral ceasefire.

Lt Gen Boonsin was answering reporters' questions about the approaching Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting between the two countries, planned for Chong Sa-ngam crossing in Phu Sing district of Si Sa Ket on Wednesday.

He said Thai proposals to be made at the talks were the same as those proposed by the 1st Army Region and the Navy Task Force in earlier talks – landmine clearance, joint action against cross-border call centre scams, and establishment of border coordination groups.

Lt Gen Boonsin confirmed landmine clearance proposed to Cambodia must cover all areas along the border, not only locations clearly claimed by each side. However, it was not certain the other side would accept this condition, Lt Gen Boonsin said.

On the issue of the barbed wire concertina fencing strung along parts of the disputed border, Cambodia had proposed Thailand remove it, the commander said.

The Thai army would not accept that proposal as the barbed wire was set along the established Thai border.

Asked if he expected any agreement to emerge from the meetings of the General Border Committee (GBC) and Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), Lt Gen Boonsin said that depended on the Cambodian leadership. Their acceptance would lead to implementation, including the issue of disarmament, he said.

“The talk about BHQ units monitoring Thai soldiers’ patrols, that is only an assumption,” Lt Gen Boonsin said. “The Thai army will open fire if they see any encroachment on our territory.”

He said he had given guidance to his troops, saying they could respond immediately if they detected any encroachment, including laying of landmines, which Cambodia has allegedly been doing in violation of the ceasefire agreement.

Thailand has clear, visible evidence of Cambodia’s violations, the commander said, and landmines were still being found in the border area. He said he was responding to misinformation repeatedly posted by Cambodia's Ministry of National Defence spokeswoman Lt Gen Maly Socheata.

Asked if Hun Sen’s position as Cambodia’s head of state would affect the situation, Lt Gen Boonsin said that depended on Hun Sen’s policies.

Whatever happened, the army was always ready to cope with it. As for the Thai side, that also depended on the government, he added.

Lt Gen Boonsin said the issue of the phone conversation between suspended prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Hun Sen was more a political matter.

He did not believe the outcome of the court case would affect the GBC meeting next month. The court ruling in this case is due to be announced on Friday.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -thai-soil

[Gaybutton]

A border wall? Shades of Trump.
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Thai Military Proposes Border Wall to Boost Security Amid Ongoing Tensions with Cambodia

By Adam Judd

August 29, 2025

In a move aimed at enhancing national security and addressing persistent cross-border threats, the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) has put forward a detailed proposal to construct a border wall along sections of the Thai-Cambodian frontier.

The plan, which focuses on non-disputed areas to avoid worsening longstanding territorial frictions, comes as Thailand intensifies efforts to combat illegal activities, including human trafficking and scam centers that have plagued the region.

The idea calls for an initial 10-kilometer permanent fence to be erected between boundary markers 50 and 51 in Sa Kaeo Province, a stretch where both nations have historically agreed on the demarcation line. This area, located near the bustling Aranyaprathet district and the Cambodian town of Poipet, has been identified as a hotspot for unauthorized crossings. For disputed zones further along the 817-kilometer (508-mile) border, the proposal outlines temporary barriers featuring triple-layer barbed wire, a dedicated patrol road, and closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance systems. These measures are designed to facilitate security patrols, deter smuggling, and disrupt operations linked to transnational crime syndicates.

RTAF officials described the plan as a direct response to public demands for stronger border controls, following a surge in incidents involving illegal migration and criminal enterprises. “This is about safeguarding our sovereignty and protecting our citizens from the dangers that spill over from porous borders,” said a senior military spokesperson during a briefing in Bangkok.

The proposal is currently awaiting approval from the National Security Council (NSC), with no reported budgetary hurdles. Once greenlit, implementation would involve consultations with affected local communities in Sa Kaeo and surrounding provinces to minimize disruptions to daily life and agriculture.

The Thai-Cambodian border has long been a flashpoint, rooted in colonial-era mappings from the early 20th century under French Indochina. Disputes over ancient Khmer temples like Preah Vihear—awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1962 but disputed by Thailand who doesn’t recognize the authority of the court—and other sites such as Prasat Ta Muen Thom have led to sporadic clashes, including deadly exchanges in 2008-2011 and a renewed flare-up in 2025. Tensions escalated dramatically in May 2025 when a brief skirmish near the Emerald Triangle—a tripoint with Laos—resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier, prompting troop reinforcements, diplomatic expulsions, and economic retaliations like Cambodia’s bans on Thai imports and fuel supplies.

More recently, the conflict intensified in July 2025 with five days of heavy fighting, including rocket fire and airstrikes, that claimed over 30 lives and displaced more than 300,000 people. An unconditional ceasefire was brokered on July 28th, mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, but fragile trust persists.

Both nations have accused each other of ceasefire violations, with Thailand alleging Cambodian incursions and landmine placements, while Phnom Penh claims Thai aggression near disputed temples. As of August 2025, barbed wire disputes in Sa Kaeo—such as a recent standoff at Ban Nong Chan—have kept the situation volatile, with Thai forces reinforcing positions and arresting dozens for illegal crossings.

Compounding these territorial issues is the scourge of scam centers, which the RTAF explicitly cites as a key motivator for the wall. These illicit operations, often run by Chinese syndicates in Cambodia’s border towns like Poipet and Sihanoukville, generate billions in fraudulent revenue annually—estimated at over $12 billion in Cambodia alone, rivaling a significant portion of its GDP.

As for now the idea is a proposal, but with the current tensions likely to proceed forward at some point.

Story and photos: https://thepattayanews.com/2025/08/29/t ... -cambodia/

[Gaybutton]

I think this announcement is important enough to restore the topic to "Announcements" for a while. It looks like it's going to be much longer before we see a significant return of Cambodian boys. I wonder what their availability will be within Cambodia.
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Thai military chiefs decide to close Cambodia border indefinitely

September 19, 2025

Commanders of the Thai armed forces have unanimously voted to indefinitely shutter Thailand's border with Cambodia until the neighbouring nation is no longer deemed a threat, as well as to erect fencing.

The decision was made during the fifth meeting of the committee of armed forces chiefs held at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters in Bangkok.

The meeting was attended by both serving and new commanders of the armed forces, who all voted uniformly to close all Thai-Cambodian border checkpoints indefinitely.

The chiefs agreed that all permanent checkpoints and trade crossings should remain shut down until a de-escalation of the situation between Thailand and Cambodia, which they deemed a threat to national security.

Gen Songwit Noonphukdi, Chief of the Defence Forces, began the meeting by asking all attendees to observe a moment of silence for 15 soldiers and civilians who perished in recent clashes along the border.

In addition to the decision to close the border, two other significant conclusions were reached regarding the construction of a border fence and the revision of rules of engagement with Cambodia.

It was determined that fencing would be put up in all areas where the border line is mutually agreed upon by both countries, for continuous patrols and surveillance to take place in border areas where territory has yet to be agreed upon, and for the construction of tactical roads along the entire border.

The committee also approved a new framework for responding to violations of Thailand's sovereignty. The new framework will be based on international Rules of Engagement (ROE), which allow for immediate self-defence operations upon detection of any hostile act or intent.

The decisions have been submitted to the defence minister for approval. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's new cabinet, approved by His Majesty the King, includes Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit as Defence Minister and his deputy, Lt Gen Adul Boonthamchareon.

On Friday, the Thai army put up the first pole equipped with three CCTVs near the main checkpoint to Cambodia to boost border security in the wake of the deadly skirmishes between the two countries.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... definitely

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Cambodian troops fire shots along fenced border in Si Sa Ket

September 23, 2025

SI SA KET - Cambodian soldiers fired gunshots on Tuesday along the defensive barbed wire fence Thailand has erected on the border in this northeastern province, according to the Royal Thai Army.

The statement said Thai soldiers did not respond to the provocation.

The army initially reported that Cambodian soldiers fired between three and five shots in the direction of the fence in tambon Sao Thong Chai of Kantharalak district about 1.20pm on Tuesday.

The army said the shots were likely intended to gauge Thailand’s reaction. Thai soldiers did not fire back, but did keep a close watch on the area.

The 2nd Army later said that four Cambodian soldiers approached the barbed wire near Thailand's Pa Man outpost in tambon Sao Thong Chai at 1.22pm and fired three rifle shots.

“Thai troops exercised restraint, did not return fire, and no casualties or damage were reported,” the statement said.

“This deliberate action constitutes a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement and demonstrates the Cambodian military’s lack of sincerity in honoring the commitments jointly signed at the General Border Committee and Regional Border Committee meetings,” it said.

In the recent meetings, the two sides agreed to avoid provocation and withdraw weaponry from their side of the border.

The 2nd Army also reported that troops found a drone in the Sam Tae area of Kantharalak district on Tuesday.

“Both Thai and Cambodian forces remain deployed in their respective defensive positions. Thai troops continue to man observation posts to monitor opposing movements and remain fully prepared to respond appropriately to any further developments,” the 2nd Army said.

It also said recent activities in the area indicated a heightened risk of unrest along the border with Cambodia.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -si-sa-ket

[Gaybutton]

Would Trump be trying to take advantage of the situation? Nahhhhh, he is genuinely concerned about the Thai-Cambodia border dispute and certainly has nothing to do with his hopes to win the Nobel Peace Prize . . .

Actually my kudos truly would go to him if he successfully brings the dispute to a close and everything returns to normal. I would be pleased with what he had accomplished, but would have very little respect for his reasons behind involving himself.
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Trump seeks to turn Thai-Cambodia dispute to his advantage

By Barry Kenyon

October 9, 2025

US president Donald Trump has offered to attend this month’s Asean summit in Kuala Lumpur. The countries of south east Asia are hoping to negotiate, or renegotiate, punishing tariffs imposed earlier this year.

But Trump has asked for a special ceremony at the summit to preside over the peace process he allegedly initiated between Thailand and Cambodia. A border ceasefire was signed on August 7, mediated by Malaysian premier Anwar Ibrahim, after five days of intense fighting with at least 43 people killed.



Whether or not Trump will turn up if there is no accord to sign is unclear, although the US president was delighted when the Cambodian government nominated him for the Nobel peace prize. He has made no secret of his ambition to win a Nobel prize, just like a predecessor Obama, and has claimed to settle up to seven international crises in less than nine months.

Thai prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul said his sole concern was the national interest of Thailand and good luck to anyone who got a prize out of the border dispute with Cambodia. But he explained that Cambodia was the aggressor and must first comply with Thai demands to withdraw all personnel and weapons from disputed zones and remove all illegal settlers in Thai territory.

https://www.pattayamail.com/news/trump- ... age-521964

[Jun]

As I think was already mentioned, the UK government has advised citizens not to travel within 50 km of the Cambodian border.
They have a similar warning for Cambodia on the other side of the border.

This is a damn nuisance, as whilst the probability of being hit by anything fired from Cambodia is near zero, it means travel insurance is invalid in those areas. Including Chantaburi, for example.

Also, they warn on low probability risks like that, whilst ignoring higher risk activities such as using or crossing the roads.
Of course, I would rather they didn't warn on either.