Cambodia, Thailand reaffirm commitment to peace in wake of border conflict

ISTANBUL

Cambodia and Thailand on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability along their border during the first Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC), held in Cambodia’s Koh Kong province.

The meeting was co-chaired by Cambodian Defense Minister Gen. Tea Seiha and his Thai counterpart Gen. Nattaphon Nakphanit, where both sides agreed to de-escalate tensions.

Cambodia’s Defense Ministry highlighted that this outcome demonstrates a firm commitment to thoroughly and effectively carry out the terms of earlier agreements.

“Both sides agreed on the urgent need to de-escalate tensions through removal of heavy and destructive weapons back to their respective normal military installations,” the statement said.

It noted that Thailand and Cambodia are firmly committed to “resolve issues peacefully and prevent clashes,” adding that both sides “stressed that strengthening communication at all levels is essential to build mutual trust and promote good neighborliness.”

This meeting served as a follow-up to the extraordinary GBC session in Malaysia on Aug. 7, 2025, where both countries approved a 13-point agreement aimed at reducing tensions and ensuring compliance with the ceasefire.

The meeting followed July’s clashes that left dozens of people dead and injured.

On July 28, during a trilateral meeting with Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the two neighbors agreed to an unconditional ceasefire following weeks of hostilities.

Both sides later endorsed a 13-point agreement on Aug. 7, which included allowing ASEAN observers to monitor the ceasefire along the contested border.