Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Border Troop Withdrawal After Deadly Clash

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Thailand and Cambodia have reached an agreement to withdraw their troops to their original positions in a disputed border area, following a clash on May 28 that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.

The agreement, reported by CNA and Asia News Network, was finalized during a meeting on Sunday between Lieutenant General Srey Doek, Deputy Commander of the Cambodian Army, and Major General Sompop Pharawet, Commander of Thailand's Suranaree Task Force.

Major General Winthai Suvaree, a spokesman for the Royal Thai Army (RTA), confirmed that Cambodian troops would withdraw from the Chong Bok area and return to their agreed position in 2024, at Paviliun Tri Muk, approximately 150-200 meters from the disputed zone.

Details of the Agreement

As part of the agreement, Cambodia also consented to close canals that Thai authorities claim have encroached 200 meters into Thai territory. This measure is intended "to reduce tension and create an atmosphere of cooperation," Winthai stated.

Both parties agreed to utilize a local border committee mechanism for sustainable management of the area, with planned weekly meetings to maintain dialogue.

Background of the Conflict

The recent clash occurred in the tri-border area of Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, known as the Emerald Triangle or Mom Bei in Khmer. This unmarked area has been a source of tension for centuries, ever since the border map was drawn by the French in 1907 when Cambodia was a French colony.

Thailand operates 17 official border crossings with Cambodia, spanning seven provinces along their 817-kilometer shared border. As a result of the recent tension, Thailand has reduced operating hours at 10 border crossings with Cambodia due to security concerns.

Differences in Approaches to Long-Term Resolution

Despite the agreement to withdraw troops, the two countries still hold differing views on the long-term dispute resolution mechanisms.

Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed hope that border issues could be fully resolved through bilateral discussions, including an upcoming Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) meeting scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025.

However, Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, in a letter to Thai officials on June 6, reiterated a request to bring the border dispute before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). "Given the complexity, historical nature, and sensitivity of these disputes, it is increasingly evident that bilateral dialogue alone may no longer suffice to bring about a comprehensive and lasting solution," Prak Sokhonn stated.

Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen affirmed that Phnom Penh would bring this issue, along with other controversial areas including Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, and Ta Krabei Temple, to the ICJ.

Thailand, however, rejects the jurisdiction of the ICJ and maintains that all border-related issues should be resolved through bilateral negotiations.

Impact on Bilateral Relations

This conflict raises questions about the relationship between the prime ministers of the two countries, Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand and Hun Manet of Cambodia, who are the children of previous leaders, Thaksin Shinawatra and Hun Sen, known for their close friendship.

Similar tensions peaked in 2008 over an 11th-century Hindu temple, leading to clashes for several years and at least a dozen deaths, including during a week-long artillery exchange in 2011.

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