Cambodia Says Border Situation With Thailand Stabilizing but Concerns Remain

PHNOM PENH, Jan.08,2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister said Monday the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border is beginning to stabilize following recent diplomatic efforts, though serious concerns remain over displaced civilians.

Prak Sokhonn briefed heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations in Phnom Penh on developments since a recent escalation of tensions.

He said progress had been made through a series of high-level meetings, including a special ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Dec. 22, a General Border Committee meeting on Dec. 27, and a trilateral meeting involving Cambodia, Thailand and China in Yunnan on Dec. 29.

A joint statement issued after the border committee meeting outlined measures aimed at de-escalation and restoring normalcy. These included a cease-fire that took effect at noon on Dec. 27, safe return of internally displaced people, and renewed commitment to resolving disputes peacefully, including through the resumption of boundary talks.

Prak Sokhonn welcomed the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers, calling it an important step toward rebuilding trust between the two countries.

He said, however, that hundreds of thousands of Cambodian civilians displaced by the conflict remain unable to return to their homes in four provinces.

He voiced concern over continued military presence and activities in some areas, which he said have affected civilian infrastructure and access.

He stressed that actions on the ground must align with the cease-fire agreement, international principles and the spirit of ASEAN cooperation.

On the long-standing boundary dispute, Prak Sokhonn said Cambodia and Thailand share an internationally recognized border based on maps produced under agreements signed in 1904 and 1907.

He pointed to recent progress by the Joint Boundary Commission and called for its urgent reconvening.

Cambodia remains committed to ensuring the cease-fire holds, he said, with priorities including safe return of displaced civilians, peaceful dispute resolution, humanitarian cooperation such as demining, and continued communication between military and diplomatic authorities.

He also underscored the importance of strengthening the role of the ASEAN Observer Team in monitoring and verifying implementation of agreed measures.

Prak Sokhonn concluded that Cambodia and Thailand, as permanent neighbors, share responsibility for ensuring long-term peace and stability for their people and the wider ASEAN region.

Officials from Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense and the State Secretariat of Border Affairs also briefed diplomats on the current situation.