Cambodia, Thailand Ease Border Tensions After Talks

⁤ Updated June 8, 2025

Thai officers⁣ at Ban‍ Hat Lek crossing enforce border limits amid tensions.

Thai officers enforce border crossing limitations at the Ban Hat Lek crossing in Trat province. (Photo: Jakkrit Waewkhlaihong)

Following discussions between regional forces on‍ Sunday, Cambodian soldiers have agreed to‍ withdraw⁢ from the Thai border⁢ in Ubon Ratchathani province, signaling‍ a⁤ de-escalation in tensions.

The Cambodian military initiated contact with the Suranaree Task Force, which oversees the areas bordering Cambodia in the disputed Chong Bok area of Nam Yuen district, seeking dialog. Lt. Gen. Boonsin Padklang, commander of the⁢ Second Army Region, relayed this to Gen. Pana Klaewplodthuk, the army chief, who authorized negotiations.

The resulting agreement stipulates that⁤ both sides will retreat to positions held the previous year. Cambodian soldiers will also fill in⁢ trenches dug in the chong Bok area. Thai and Cambodian soldiers have as returned to their former positions, and representatives from both sides will convene weekly in the area, sources said.

These developments occurred a day after ‍the Thai military began limiting border crossings with Cambodia on Saturday evening. ‍The ⁢restrictions affected gamblers and the flow of supplies via heavy trucks from ‍Thailand. Reports also surfaced regarding potential cuts to electricity and internet services⁢ in Cambodian border regions.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the border restrictions are part of a four-stage response to Cambodia’s violation of an earlier⁣ agreement to stay out‍ of