Thailand renews call for Cambodia to withdraw troops, warns of growing tension

Thailand has once again demanded that Cambodia withdraw its troops from a disputed border area, warning that Phnom Penh’s rejection has worsened tensions and made the situation increasingly volatile.

“It is unfortunate that Cambodia has not only refused to back down from the site in question, but has also reinforced additional troops in the area,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura.

“The reinforcement violates the 2000 memorandum of understanding between the two countries,” he added.

Thailand had earlier urged Cambodia to contain the conflict to the area of the fatal May 28 incident and had already moved its own troops 200 metres away from the area to prevent clashes and protect civilians on both sides.

Discussions at various levels had been held in good faith, but following a June 5 meeting in Sa Kaeo between the Thai and Cambodian defence ministers, Phnom Penh outright rejected Thailand’s proposal.

Thailand expressed disappointment at Cambodia’s refusal to ease tensions or adhere to previous agreements.

“The continued reinforcement of troops by Cambodia, coupled with its refusal to comply with the MOU, clearly signals a lack of willingness to cooperate in reducing tensions,” Nikorndej said, warning that the situation was becoming more fragile.

Citing a resolution passed by the National Security Council on June 6, Nikorndej said Thailand would consider measures to regulate the opening and closing of border checkpoints based on the level of tension.

He emphasized that any such steps would be carefully calibrated to avoid unnecessary disruptions to trade, daily life, and humanitarian concerns.

Thailand reiterated its readiness to resolve the issue peacefully and expressed hope that the long-delayed meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), scheduled for June 14, would proceed as planned.

“We urge Cambodia to take genuine steps to de-escalate the situation along the border to prevent unnecessary escalation that could negatively affect border communities on both sides,” Nikorndej said.

He added that Thailand remains committed to bilateral dialogue through mechanisms like the JBC and other peaceful channels to restore calm to the Thai-Cambodian border.

The press conference was also attended by Defence Ministry spokeswoman Col Dungjai Suwannikit and Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree.

Winthai said the Burapa and Chanthaburi-Trat Task Forces have been assigned to determine whether to open or close border checkpoints.

However, he reiterated that any decisions will take into account the daily lives of border communities.

One group likely to be affected by tighter screening measures are those crossing the border to gamble, he noted.

Time limits may be introduced at certain checkpoints, but the measures will not apply to individuals crossing for educational purposes.

"The final measure, if necessary, would be the complete closure of all checkpoints," Winthai said.