Thai-Cambodian summits: peace or new conflicts?

Thai-Cambodian summits: peace or new conflicts?

Political negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia are facing a crucial turning point. The 22nd meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) was held on October 22, 2025 to discuss urgent issues related to border security and cooperation between the two neighbors. Topics discussed included the withdrawal of heavy weapons, demining and combating international online fraud, all of which are expected to contribute to stability in the region. This meeting was the result of months of intensive negotiations that took a toll on both sides, as Evrimagaci reports.

Taking off at 5:55 a.m., General Nattapon Nakpanich, Thailand's defense minister, traveled to the GBC meeting in Kuala Lumpur, followed by senior military officials. The meeting approved the Memorandum of Understanding for the ASEAN Observer Team Terms of Reference and the Standard Operating Procedure for Mine Action. Thailand also informed Cambodia of its plans to build a border fence in non-disputed areas, which was rejected by the Cambodian side. A special meeting of the Joint Border Commission (JBC) in Chanthaburi discussed the disputed border areas on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to The Nation.

Joint initiative for security

The negotiations resulted in the adoption of joint action plans to withdraw heavy weapons and combat cyber fraud. In addition, modern technologies such as LiDAR are to be integrated to monitor the border. This is particularly relevant as incidents involving Cambodian civilians entering Thai territory continue to cause outrage. Cambodia has also stressed that it wants to destroy landmines to receive aid money, while Thai soldiers are increasingly discovering old landmines from the Vietnam War era. Security concerns remain high, particularly given recent sightings of Cambodian soldiers near the border.

An important ceremony to sign a declaration on Thai-Cambodian relations is scheduled for October 25. This is being watched in part by US President Donald Trump and other ASEAN leaders. The declaration will include action plans with clear time frames, such as weapons withdrawal and demining. A one-on-one meeting between Nattapon and his Cambodian counterpart will take place before the official meeting to clear up any final ambiguities.

Challenges and backgrounds

The current conflict between Thailand and Cambodia is given additional impetus by Cambodia's economic instability. The country is heavily dependent on China and is battling internal challenges. As the [Süddeutsche Zeitung](https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/kambodscha-thailand- Grenzstreitigkeiten-li.3303226) notes, the Cambodian government under Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has ruled since 1985, can look back on a tradition of rule, but must also overcome resistance to its authoritarian policies. The prevailing separation of powers in Cambodia is becoming increasingly less important, which is increasing the pressure on negotiations with Thailand.

Overall, both countries see the recent talks as a potentially significant step towards a more stable and cooperative future. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how the agreed measures will actually be implemented and whether they can lead to relaxation along the sensitive border.