Thailand and Cambodia reinforcing troops on disputed border after May skirmish, Thai minister says
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Thailand closes border to tourists after Cambodia clash – DW – 06
Thailand and Cambodia have reinforced their troops at a disputed border after a recent military skirmish. Tourists have been ordered not to use two border crossing points between the neighbors. The decision follows the killing of a Cambodian soldier during a brief military clash on May 28. Thailand and Cambodia share an 817 kilometer (508 mile) border, first mapped by France in 1907 when Cambodia was its colony. For most of the following century, the neighbors have disputed various un-demarcated points along the frontier. The two neighbors had agreed to ease tensions following last month’s killing but Cambodia then said it would keep its troops in the area, in defiance of a request by Bangkok.
Thailand on Saturday shut two of its border crossings to tourists as a safety measure amid ongoing tensions with its neighbor, Cambodia.
The decision follows the killing of a Cambodian soldier during a brief military clash on May 28 in an area known as the Emerald Triangle, where the borders of the two neighbors and Laos meet.
Thailand and Cambodia share an 817 kilometer (508 mile) border, first mapped by France in 1907 when Cambodia was its colony. For most of the following century, the neighbors have disputed various un-demarcated points along the frontier.
What did Thai authorities say?
Authorities in the eastern province of Chanthaburi said in a statement that they had “temporarily suspended” crossings by Thai and Cambodian tourists at two permanent border checkpoints.
The Royal Thai Army cited a threat to Thailand’s “sovereignty and security” as the reason for the move.
The army said trade would be unaffected and Cambodian workers could still enter Thailand.
Six other border checkpoints tightened their opening hours and issued bans on six-wheeled vehicles.
Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the army had reinforced its military presence at the border following an increase in troops on the other side.
“There has been a reinforcement of military presence [by Cambodia], which has exacerbated tensions along the border,” Phumtham, who is also deputy prime minister, said in a statement.
“Consequently, the Royal Thai Government has deemed it necessary to implement additional measures and to reinforce our military posture accordingly.”
Both countries have increased troop presence along the disputed border Image: Tang Chhin Sothy/AFP/Getty Images
The army said Friday it was ready to launch a “high-level operation” to counter any violation of Thailand’s sovereignty.
Meanwhile, the Thai Foreign Ministry said Saturday that the country was committed to holding bilateral talks with Cambodia on June 14 to resolve the dispute.
What has Cambodia said?
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet insisted in a speech Saturday that his country’s stance was “not to initiate conflict, but to defend ourselves.”
Hun said earlier this week that the kingdom would file a complaint with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the border dispute.
The two neighbors had agreed to ease tensions following last month’s killing but Cambodia then said it would keep its troops in the area, in defiance of a request by Bangkok.
Violence has erupted sporadically between Thailand and Cambodia since 2008 Image: AP
On-off skirmishes for nearly two decades
Fighting first broke out in 2008 over an 11th-century Hindu temple, leading to sporadic violence over several years.
At least 28 people have been killed.
The ICJ ruled in 2013 that the disputed area belonged to Cambodia, but Thailand says it does not accept the ICJ’s jurisdiction and seeks a bilateral settlement.
The Southeast Asian regional bloc ASEAN and China have both made efforts to reduce tensions in recent days.
Edited by: Rana Taha
Thailand and Cambodia reinforce troops along disputed border: Thai minister
Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai says Thailand reinforces military presence in response to Cambodia move. Thailand and Cambodia have for more than a century contested sovereignty at various undemarcated points along their 817km (508-mile) land border. The reinforcements come despute efforts by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is the current chair of the Southeast Asian ASEAN bloc, and China to reduce tensions. A meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission – which addresses border demarcation issues – is scheduled for June 14. The Thai army said Cambodian civilians had also repeatedly made incursions into Thailand’s territory.
Thailand has reinforced its military presence along a disputed border with Cambodia following an increase in troops on the other side, the Thai defence minister has said.
Tensions between the two Southeast Asian countries have been rising since a Cambodian soldier was killed on May 28 in a brief skirmish in an undemarcated border area.
Since the incident, the two governments have been exchanging carefully worded statements committing to dialogue.
Thailand’s Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who also serves as deputy prime minister, said on Saturday that Cambodia had rejected proposals in bilateral talks held on Thursday that could have led to a de-escalation.
“Furthermore, there has been a reinforcement of military presence, which has exacerbated tensions along the border,” Phumtham said in a statement.
“Consequently, the Royal Thai Government has deemed it necessary to implement additional measures and to reinforce our military posture accordingly.”
He did not provide further details on the extent of reinforcements by either side.
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In a separate statement on Saturday, the Thai army said Cambodian civilians had also repeatedly made incursions into Thailand’s territory.
“These provocations, and the buildup of military forces, indicate a clear intent to use force,” the Thai army said, adding it would take control of all Thai checkpoints along the Cambodia border.
There was no immediate comment from Cambodia.
“This is our stance, not to initiate conflict, but to defend ourselves,” Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said in a speech earlier on Saturday.
“Our guiding principles are … respect for international legal frameworks. These grounded strategies are key to safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty,” he said, adding that its armed forces were ready to defend against aggression.
Thailand remains committed to pursuing bilateral dialogue as a means to restore stability, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Saturday.
“The Thai side reaffirms its readiness to engage through established bilateral mechanisms, particularly the upcoming meeting of the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), scheduled for June 14,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told reporters.
“We sincerely hope that the negotiations will proceed in good faith,” he added.
The reinforcements come despute efforts by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is the current chair of the Southeast Asian ASEAN bloc, and China to reduce tensions, but the border remains disputed.
Thailand and Cambodia have for more than a century contested sovereignty at various undemarcated points along their 817km (508-mile) land border.
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Tension escalated in 2008 over an 11th-century Hindu temple, leading to skirmishes over several years and at least a dozen deaths, including during a weeklong exchange of artillery fire in 2011.
A meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission – which addresses border demarcation issues – is scheduled for June 14.
Body of Thai hostage found in Gaza, confirms Israeli military
Natthapong Pinta was one of three Thai hostages who remained in Gaza. The other two had been confirmed deceased in 2024, though their remains have not yet been recovered by Israeli authorities. Israel launched a massive military campaign in Gaza, which has since killed more than 54,000 Palestinians. Over 2 million people have been displaced by the conflict. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended its deepest condolences to the family.
There has been no immediate response from the militant group.
According to Israeli officials, 55 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive. In response to the Hamas-led attack, Israel launched a massive military campaign in Gaza, which has since killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to health authorities in the Hamas-run enclave. Much of Gaza is now in ruins, and over 2 million people have been displaced.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday expressed its profound sadness to the family of Natthapong Pinta, the last remaining Thai hostage, after the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv received official notification from Israeli government representatives regarding his passing on Friday.
Natthapong was one of three Thai hostages who remained in Gaza. The other two had been confirmed deceased in 2024, though their remains have not yet been recovered by Israeli authorities.
The Royal Thai Embassy has informed Natthapong’s family and is working to repatriate his remains to Thailand as soon as possible, in accordance with the family’s wishes.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended its deepest condolences once again to Natthapong’s family during this difficult time.
Meanwhile, Israeli Ambassador to Thailand Orna Sagiv stated, “The State of Israel and the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok bow their heads and share in the grief of Khun Natthapong’s family and the people of Thailand. Israel is making every possible effort to bring all the hostages home—both foreign nationals and Israelis alike.”
Thailand and Cambodia reinforcing troops on disputed border after May skirmish, Thai minister says
Military reinforcements come despite efforts from ASEAN, China to dampen tensions. Thailand committed to bilateral talks, including meeting on June 14, Thai foreign ministry says. Cambodia rejected proposals in bilateral talks held on Thursday that could have led to a de-escalation, says Thai defence minister. Thai army says Cambodian soldiers and civilians have repeatedly made incursions into Thailand’s territory. The Thai army said it would take control of all Thai checkpoints along the border with Cambodia.. Cambodia’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to questions from Reuters on the Thai army’s announcement. The two Southeast Asian countries have for more than a century contested sovereignty at various undemarcated points along their 817 km (508 miles) land border. The border was first mapped by France in 1907 when Cambodia was its temple, temple, Hindu temple, and at least a dozen years later, Cambodia was Thailand’s colony. The current governments in both countries enjoyed warm ties, but nationalist sentiment has risen in Thailand and Cambodia over the past few years.
Item 1 of 2 Royalist activists hold placards as they protest in front of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia, following a recent clash at the Thailand-Cambodia border on May 28, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand, June 6, 2025. REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa
Summary Cambodia rejected proposals that could lead to a de-escalation, says Thai defence minister
Thai army says may tighten border checkpoints with Cambodia
Military reinforcements come despite efforts from ASEAN, China to dampen tensions
Thailand committed to bilateral talks, including meeting on June 14, Thai foreign ministry says
BANGKOK, June 7 (Reuters) – Thailand has reinforced its military presence along a disputed border with Cambodia, following an increase in troops on the other side, Thailand’s defence minister said on Saturday.
Tensions between the two Southeast Asian countries have been simmering since a Cambodian soldier was killed on May 28 in a brief conflict in an undemarcated border area. For days, the two Southeast Asian governments have been exchanging carefully worded statements committing to dialogue.
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But Phumtham Wechayachai, who also serves as Thailand’s deputy prime minister, said Cambodia had rejected proposals in bilateral talks held on Thursday that could have led to a de-escalation.
“Furthermore, there has been a reinforcement of military presence, which has exacerbated tensions along the border,” Phumtham said in a statement.
“Consequently, the Royal Thai Government has deemed it necessary to implement additional measures and to reinforce our military posture accordingly.”
He did not provide details on the extent of reinforcements by either side.
In a separate statement on Saturday, the Thai army said Cambodian soldiers and civilians had repeatedly made incursions into Thailand’s territory.
“These provocations, and the build-up of military forces, indicate a clear intent to use force,” the Thai army said, adding that it would take control of all Thai checkpoints along the border with Cambodia.
Although border checkpoints between the two countries remain open, they may gradually become more restrictive, ranging from earlier closing times to complete closures, depending on security assessments in each area, Thai army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree said.
Thailand currently operates 17 official border crossings with Cambodia, spanning seven provinces along their shared 817-km (508 miles) frontier, government data shows.
A spokesperson for Cambodia’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to questions from Reuters on the Thai army’s announcement.
“This is our stance, not to initiate conflict, but to defend ourselves,” Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said in speech earlier on Saturday.
“Our guiding principles are … respect for international legal frameworks. These grounded strategies are key to safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty,” he said, adding that its armed forces were ready to defend against aggression.
Thailand remains committed to pursuing bilateral dialogue as a means to restore stability, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Saturday.
“The Thai side reaffirms its readiness to engage through established bilateral mechanisms, particularly the upcoming meeting of the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), scheduled for June 14,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told reporters.
“We sincerely hope that the negotiations will proceed in good faith”, he added.
The military reinforcements come despite efforts by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is the current chair of the Southeast Asian ASEAN bloc, and China to reduce tensions.
Thailand and Cambodia have for more than a century contested sovereignty at various undemarcated points along their 817 km (508 miles) land border, which was first mapped by France in 1907 when Cambodia was its colony.
Tension escalated in 2008 over an 11th-century Hindu temple, leading to skirmishes over several years and at least a dozen deaths, including during a week-long exchange of artillery in 2011.
Current governments in both countries, however, have enjoyed warm ties. Former leaders Thaksin Shinawatra of Thailand and Cambodia’s Hun Sen have had a close relationship, and Thaksin’s daughter and Hun Sen’s son are now the incumbent prime ministers of their countries.
Still, nationalist sentiment has risen in Thailand and the Thai military said on Friday it is ready to launch a “high-level operation” to counter any violation of its sovereignty.
Cambodia said this week it would refer disputes over four parts of the border to the International Court of Justice and asked Thailand to cooperate.
Phumtham reiterated in his Saturday statement that Thailand does not recognise the jurisdiction of the court and proposed that all boundary-related issues be resolved through bilateral negotiations.
Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat, Devjyot Ghoshal and Chayut Setboonsarng in Bangkok and Lach Chantha in Phnom Penh; Editing by Edwina Gibbs, Tom Hogue and Louise Heavens
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Border Brinkmanship: Thailand and Cambodia’s Tense Stand-Off
Thailand has increased its military presence along its disputed border with Cambodia. The decision follows an increased troop build-up on the Cambodian side. A Cambodian soldier was killed in a skirmish in an undemarcated area on May 28.
Despite ongoing dialogue attempts, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai disclosed that Cambodia had rejected de-escalation proposals during bilateral talks last Thursday. “Military presence has been reinforced, exacerbating tensions along the border,” Phumtham stated, emphasizing the need for Thailand to bolster its military posture in response.
While the Thai army accuses Cambodian soldiers and civilians of repeated territorial incursions, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated his country’s defensive stance in a speech. Diplomatic ambitions continue with the involvement of ASEAN chair Malaysia and China in mediation efforts, yet historical disputes and domestic nationalist sentiments remain challenging hurdles.
(With inputs from agencies.)