BANGKOK/PHNOM PENH, June 14,2025: Thai and Cambodian officials met on Saturday to try to ease tensions amid fears of military clashes after a long-running territorial dispute reignited, leading both countries to mobilise troops on the border.
The two neighbours share an 820-km (510-mile) land border, parts of which are undemarcated and include ancient temples that both sides have contested for decades. The latest standoff followed a brief skirmish on May 28 that left a Cambodian soldier dead.
The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day. Sign up here.
The row comes at a challenging time for Thailand’s government, which is losing popularity in prolonged struggle to spur economic growth. Paetongtarn’s administration is under pressure to take a tougher stand on Cambodia, accompanied by initially strong rhetoric from the Thai military.
Thailand’s foreign ministry said the meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) in Phnom Penh would continue into Sunday and the atmosphere of the talks had been good.
“Thailand sincerely hopes that it would further contribute to deescalating the tensions, paving the way for a sustainable solution in the future,” spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told a press conference in Bangkok.
Cambodia’s information ministry said it would not comment until after the meeting concludes.
