Cambodian Experts Voice Doubts as Border Talks with Thailand Continue

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 25, 2025) — Cambodian analysts have welcomed renewed negotiations with Thailand over their border conflict but voiced doubts about meaningful progress, citing what they describe as Thailand’s failure to fully implement past agreements.

Political science expert Kin Phea said dialogue through mechanisms such as the General Border Committee, ASEAN or third-party mediation remains the best path forward. But he questioned Thailand’s commitment.

“The ceasefire in July and the Kuala Lumpur peace accord adopted in Malaysia, witnessed by President Trump and supported by the Malaysian prime minister, were agreed in principle but have not been fully implemented by the Thai side,” Phea said, adding that recent clashes were initiated by Thailand.

He said expectations for a breakthrough remain low, stressing that any outcome will depend on Thailand’s implementation.

Analyst Yang Poeu said Cambodia should reject Thailand’s three-point proposal presented during the talks, arguing it would legitimize aggression.

“Cambodia has suffered civilian deaths and damage to infrastructure,” he said. “Thailand must respond through international law and fully implement the Kuala Lumpur peace accord.”

The GBC Secretariat began its second day of meetings Thursday at the Prom–Pak Kard checkpoint between Cambodia’s Pailin province and Thailand’s Chanthaburi province.

Cambodia’s Defence Ministry accused Thai forces of sustained attacks near the disputed Preah Vihear temple between Dec. 24 and Dec. 25.

According to Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior, at least 30 civilians have been killed, 87 injured and more than 636,000 displaced since fighting reignited on Dec. 7.