Thailand and Cambodia Reach Major Border Security Deal After Special Peace Talks

Countries agree to remove heavy weapons, clear landmines, and crack down on online scam centers

Koh Kong Province, Cambodia – Thailand and Cambodia have made significant progress in resolving border tensions after high-level defense talks held in Cambodia on September 10, 2025. The meeting resulted in concrete agreements to withdraw heavy weapons, clear dangerous landmines, and tackle cross-border online crime.

General Nattaphon Narkphanit, Thailand's Acting Defense Minister, led the Thai delegation in discussions with Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Tea Seiha. The talks were part of the first special session of the General Border Committee (GBC), a bilateral mechanism designed to address ongoing border disputes between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.

Key Agreements Reached

The meeting produced five major agreements that both sides hope will bring lasting peace to the troubled border region:

Heavy Weapons Withdrawal Both countries agreed to remove heavy artillery and destructive military equipment from border areas and return them to regular military bases. The process will begin within three weeks, with international observers monitoring the redeployment to ensure compliance.

Landmine Clearance Program A joint coordination body will be established within one week to create a comprehensive plan for removing dangerous landmines along the Thai-Cambodian border. The team will include representatives from both countries' mine action centers and will identify pilot areas where clearing operations can begin within one month.

Fighting Online Scams Both nations committed to creating a joint working group within one week to combat online crime and scam operations. Thailand has already provided Cambodia with information about more than 60 scam centers operating on Cambodian soil. Police forces from both countries will meet again on September 16 in Sa Kaeo Province to plan joint enforcement actions.

Border Area Management The two sides agreed to work together on managing disputed areas, particularly the case of Ban Nong Chan village. The Thailand-Cambodia Joint Boundary Commission will clarify the legal status of this area, while regional border committees will discuss practical management arrangements. Local governors will continue coordinating to maintain order in the meantime.

Cross-Border Trade Despite ongoing tensions, both countries recognized the need to allow some cross-border movement and trade to continue. They agreed to explore opening selected border crossings for goods transportation, with initial focus on crossings in Thailand's Chanthaburi and Trat provinces, provided there are no security concerns.

Background of the Conflict

The latest agreements follow previous ceasefire arrangements made during earlier General Border Committee meetings. While General Nattaphon noted that discussions proceeded smoothly and showed progress, he acknowledged that "certain concerns" still cause unease for Thailand and its people, potentially hampering full restoration of trust between the neighbors.

The border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have affected local communities, disrupted trade, and raised security concerns for both nations. Issues have ranged from territorial disputes to the presence of illegal activities in border areas, including cybercrime operations targeting victims across Southeast Asia.

What Comes Next

The success of these agreements will depend on swift implementation. Thai officials plan to closely monitor Cambodia's follow-through, particularly on the high-priority issues of landmine removal and cracking down on scam operations – areas where Cambodia had previously been less responsive.

Another special General Border Committee meeting is scheduled within 30 days, this time with Thailand serving as host. This follow-up session will review progress on the current agreements and address any remaining issues.

Regional Implications

The agreements represent a significant step toward normalizing relations between the two countries, which share a long and sometimes contentious border. Both nations have emphasized their commitment to resolving differences through bilateral dialogue rather than escalating tensions.

"Thailand and Cambodia cannot move away from each other," General Nattaphon emphasized in his closing remarks. "It is therefore essential that both countries resolve issues peacefully, so that peace may return to the border areas, and the peoples of both countries can once again live their lives normally."

The success of this diplomatic approach could serve as a model for resolving other regional disputes in Southeast Asia, where territorial and border issues remain common challenges.

Impact on Local Communities

The agreements are expected to have immediate positive effects on communities living along the Thai-Cambodian border. The withdrawal of heavy weapons should reduce military tensions, while landmine clearance will make previously dangerous areas safe for farming and daily activities.

The crackdown on online scam centers is particularly significant, as these operations have not only damaged both countries' international reputations but have also been linked to human trafficking and forced labor of victims from across the region.

If successful, the gradual reopening of border crossings for trade could provide economic relief to businesses and communities that have been affected by the restrictions. Cross-border trade has historically been an important source of income for people living in these areas.

The next 30 days will be crucial in determining whether both sides can deliver on their commitments and move toward the lasting peace and stability that their people deserve.