Thailand-Cambodia Border: Tensions Rise Amid Ceasefire Talks

Dec 17, 2025
International

Photo: Cambodians Relocating from Siem Reap Province After Thai Airstrikes (Collected/Al Jazeera | Agency Kampuchea Press, AFP)

International Desk: PNN

Thailand has stated that Cambodia must first declare a ceasefire to resolve recent border clashes. Marati Nalita Andamo, spokesperson for Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a briefing in Bangkok, “Cambodia must first announce a ceasefire as the aggressor on Thai territory.” She added that Cambodia must cooperate sincerely in clearing mines and explosives in the border area.

Cambodia has not responded so far. Both countries blame each other for inciting clashes, claim self-defense, and accuse the other of attacks on civilians.

The latest clashes erupted on December 7. The two countries share an 817-kilometer (508-mile) land border with longstanding disputes. The recent fighting killed at least 32 people, including soldiers and civilians, and displaced around 800,000 people.

Al Jazeera’s correspondent Jack Burton reported that refugees sheltering in a temple in Thailand’s Sisaket province can still hear the sounds of war, including Thai cannons and Cambodian Grad rockets.

In July, US President Donald Trump brokered a five-day ceasefire between the countries after previous deadly clashes. However, with the latest violence, fighting continues daily along the border.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said, “We are under no international pressure. We don’t know who is pressuring whom.”

Cambodia’s influential former leader and current Senate President Hun Sen stated that closing the checkpoint in Poipet city aims to protect citizens. Continuous fighting persists across eight provinces along the border, and both countries’ defense ministries have pledged courage and determination to their troops.

Recent clashes have left thousands terrified, and the humanitarian situation in border areas is increasingly fragile.