Analyst: Thai Political Divisions Threaten Cambodia Peace Deal

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov.08,2025) — A Cambodian political analyst warned Friday that Thailand’s internal political divisions could jeopardize the recently signed Cambodia-Thailand peace agreement, known as the “KL Peace Deal,” amid rising tensions over the detention of 18 Cambodian soldiers.

Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, said discord between Thailand’s civilian government and military factions was hindering diplomatic efforts and confidence-building with Cambodia.

“Internal political struggles, party rivalries, and the enduring influence of the monarchy remain major obstacles to open dialogue,” Mengdavid said. “If Thailand fails to comply with the peace agreement signed on Oct. 26, it will face international pressure and condemnation. Its reputation and foreign trade could also suffer.”

Mengdavid said the United States, which brokered last month’s ceasefire and peace declaration, was likely to exert diplomatic pressure on Thailand if the Cambodian soldiers were not released soon.

Cambodian government spokesman Pen Bona on Thursday accused Thai officials of undermining the agreement, which was intended to ease border tensions following months of clashes.

Bona said recent remarks by Thai civilian and military leaders violated the spirit of the Joint Declaration, which calls on both sides to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and misinformation.

He alleged Thailand was using the deal to delay the soldiers’ release and had issued new threats related to the disputed Ta Krabei Temple area.

“These actions contradict Point 4 of the Joint Declaration,” Bona said. “Point 5 commits Thailand to release prisoners of war promptly as a gesture of goodwill.”

Cambodia has urged Thailand to fully honor the peace agreement and refrain from provocative actions that could derail dialogue and mutual trust.

Political analyst Yang Peou said Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s administration had “shown no roadmap or purpose” in resolving the dispute.
Peou said Bangkok had failed to implement the terms of recent ceasefire agreements and outcomes from bilateral meetings aimed at easing border tensions.

He added that Thailand’s government appeared to lack diplomatic independence and was “driven more by political survival than by genuine efforts to find a solution.”

Despite his criticism, Peou urged Cambodia to continue pursuing a peaceful resolution through dialogue, respect for international law, and adherence to existing treaties.