Bangkok, June 7, 2025 — Thailand has increased military presence along its eastern border with Cambodia following a deadly confrontation that left a Cambodian soldier dead in late May. The skirmish took place in a disputed, undemarcated area, reviving long-standing tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed that Thailand is reinforcing troops and may take full control of certain border checkpoints after Cambodia rejected recent proposals for de-escalation. The Thai government alleges that Cambodian forces crossed into Thai territory — an accusation Phnom Penh denies.
“We are ready for all scenarios. Thailand will not compromise its sovereignty,” said Gen. Kritchai Jindatham, a senior Thai army official overseeing operations in the area.
The disputed territory, part of an 817-kilometer shared border, has seen flashpoints of violence for decades, most notably the 2008–2011 military standoff near the Preah Vihear Temple. While bilateral relations have improved in recent years, particularly due to familial political ties between the Hun and Shinawatra families, this latest clash is threatening that fragile trust.
Cambodia has called for international arbitration, suggesting the case be brought before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Thailand, however, maintains that the matter should be resolved through direct negotiations, resisting outside involvement.
The ASEAN Chair, currently held by Malaysia, has urged both sides to exercise restraint and uphold regional peace. China, a close partner to both governments, has offered to mediate behind the scenes.
Local residents near the border report growing unease, with some villages being evacuated as a precaution. Human rights observers warn of rising nationalist sentiment and the potential for misinformation to inflame the situation further.
As the rainy season approaches — typically a period of logistical challenges and heightened military alertness — the region watches anxiously to see whether diplomacy or confrontation will shape the weeks ahead.
