Bangkok: Thailand’s newly sworn-in Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, has used his first day in office to call for a tangible reduction of military forces along the border with Cambodia, underlining the urgent need to prevent a relapse into conflict. His statement signals a clear diplomatic priority for the new Thai government led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Sihasak, a seasoned diplomat and former ambassador, emphasized that peace cannot be sustained through words alone. Instead, he urged both nations to implement concrete measures most notably the withdrawal of heavy artillery and frontline troops. “Peace needs reduction of forces, like withdrawing heavy weaponry from border areas to reduce the risk of violence,” he said. He further added that while agreements had been made in principle, visible progress on the ground was now essential.
The Thai-Cambodian border, stretching over 800 kilometers, has historically been a flashpoint. The latest clashes in July spiraled into one of the most severe escalations in more than a decade, involving artillery barrages and air strikes. The brief conflict claimed at least 48 lives, forced civilian evacuations, and raised fears of a prolonged standoff. A Malaysia-brokered ceasefire on July 28 temporarily halted hostilities, but both sides remain on high alert with lingering distrust.
Much of the tension stems from colonial-era boundary demarcations made by France in 1907, which left sections of the frontier ambiguous. These contested areas, particularly around temple complexes and natural resources, have repeatedly sparked nationalist sentiments and military mobilizations in both Bangkok and Phnom Penh. For decades, the disputes have complicated bilateral ties, with occasional flare-ups threatening broader regional stability.
In recent bilateral talks, both countries agreed to a set of confidence-building measures. These include not only troop reductions but also the removal of landmines, closer cooperation on countering cross-border smuggling, and the creation of joint monitoring mechanisms. However, implementation has been slow. Sihasak stressed that his government would prioritize these commitments and ensure that both militaries scale back their presence.
Observers note that the call for troop reductions also reflects Thailand’s desire to project stability within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Given the bloc’s emphasis on regional harmony and economic integration, prolonged conflict along the Thai-Cambodian border would undermine collective goals. The new Thai foreign minister’s proactive stance may also serve as a test of ASEAN’s ability to facilitate conflict resolution among its members.
While the ceasefire has held since late July, the future of Thai-Cambodian relations depends on whether both sides can transform agreements into actions. With Sihasak making border stability his immediate diplomatic mission, hopes are rising that this long-running dispute might finally move toward a more durable peace. Still, analysts warn that without consistent monitoring and trust-building, even minor provocations could reignite tensions.