Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to pull back their troops to previously agreed positions after a deadly clash erupted in an undemarcated border area. A Cambodian soldier was killed during the skirmish on May 28, prompting both sides to reinforce their military presence along the disputed region.
The Cambodian Ministry of Defence announced on Sunday that both countries are now moving to ease tensions by returning to the 2024-agreed positions. Thailand’s Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai also confirmed that bilateral talks are ongoing and that both governments want to avoid further escalation.
Thailand-Cambodia dispute may head to ICJ
Although both nations have expressed a desire to settle matters diplomatically, Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry has formally requested that the dispute be brought before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ministry insists that a legal ruling is necessary due to the “complexity, history, and sensitivity” of the issue.
“Bilateral dialogue alone may no longer suffice,” Cambodia’s Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn stated in a letter dated June 6. “A decision rendered by the ICJ, grounded in international law, would offer a fair, impartial, and durable resolution.”
However, Thailand remains opposed to international arbitration and maintains that border disputes should be handled bilaterally.
Border crossing hours cut after Thailand-Cambodia clash
As a result of the heightened tension, Thailand has reduced the operating hours at ten border checkpoints, including the major crossing in Sa Kaeo province. Previously open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., the crossings now close at 4 p.m.
This adjustment comes as both sides prepare for a meeting of their Joint Boundary Committee on June 14. Meanwhile, no details were given about how many troops had been stationed during the reinforcement phase over the weekend.
Thailand-Cambodia border clash raises diplomatic pressure
The recent Thailand-Cambodia border clash has revived long-standing tensions along the frontier first mapped in 1907. While troop withdrawal is a step toward peace, disagreements over how to resolve the dispute remain. Cambodia wants the case settled by the ICJ, but Thailand continues to reject international involvement. As the situation unfolds, the June 14
