Expert: Thailand Pushing Bilateral Dialogue to Pressure Cambodia in Border Dispute

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov. 24, 2025) — A Cambodian political analyst says Thailand’s insistence on resolving the countries’ border dispute through bilateral talks, while rejecting international mediation, is aimed at using its economic and military advantage to pressure Cambodia.

Geopolitical analyst Yang Peou told KPT English that the Thai government continues to oppose third-party involvement because it believes direct talks will allow Bangkok to push for outcomes favorable to its interests.

“Thailand wants to use its military and economic power in negotiations with Cambodia,” Peou said. “They believe these advantages will pressure Cambodia, which is weaker in those areas. That’s why they don’t want any third party involved in settling the border issue.”

Peou said Thailand has avoided potential mediation from countries such as the United States and Malaysia and has refused to consider international mechanisms, including international law and the International Court of Justice.

“In the past, Thailand lost a case at the ICJ brought by Cambodia,” he said. “Because of that history, they see no reason to agree to international arbitration now.”

He added that years of bilateral talks have produced “no meaningful results,” leaving the border issue unresolved.

Political analyst Kin Phea told KPT English that many Cambodians value the roles of Malaysia and the United States in helping broker a ceasefire and peace accord between Cambodia and Thailand.

“At a critical moment, both leaders showed principled diplomacy and strong resolve in preventing further escalation along the border,” he said, referring to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Phea said Anwar’s commitment to ASEAN unity, together with U.S. engagement, helped reopen dialogue and support efforts toward de-escalation.

“Their coordinated efforts reflect Malaysia’s and the United States’ longstanding commitment to regional peace, international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” he said.

He added that Cambodia remains committed to fully implementing the ceasefire and peace agreement and urged Thailand to honor its obligations “in good faith.”

The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the border dispute, calling for respect for Cambodia’s sovereignty and adherence to international law.

The ministry said Cambodia intends to fully implement all terms of the peace deal adopted in Malaysia and witnessed by Trump and Anwar, while Thailand recently announced it would withdraw from the agreement.