UK Welcomes Progress in Cambodia-Thailand Border Talks, Urges Continued Cooperation

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Sept.12,2025) — The British Embassy in Phnom Penh on late Thursday welcomed progress made during a recent border meeting between Cambodia and Thailand, praising both nations for reaffirming commitments to peaceful cooperation, humanitarian demining and joint efforts to address cross-border challenges.

“We encourage both sides to continue implementing the agreed plans and support ASEAN’s ongoing efforts to promote peace and development in the region,” the embassy said in a statement.

The Sept. 10 meeting of the Special General Border Committee marked a step toward easing tensions along the shared border, particularly in disputed areas of Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province.

Kin Phea, director-general of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, thanked the United Kingdom for its continued attention to the issue.

“Cambodia has always fully and patiently observed the ceasefire agreement,” he said. “In contrast, the Thai side has repeatedly violated the ceasefire and encroached on Cambodian territory, affecting local homes and farmlands.”

Phea urged the UK to take a more active role in encouraging Thailand to uphold international obligations.

“We respectfully request that the United Kingdom urge Thailand to respect the ceasefire, comply with international law and the U.N.
Charter, and release the Cambodian soldiers they have unlawfully detained for 44 days,” he said.

During the meeting, Thai officials agreed to withdraw heavy weaponry from disputed areas and return the equipment to designated military installations. Both sides also pledged to restore bilateral relations and normalize conditions on the ground, including the repatriation of detained soldiers “as soon as possible.”

Separately, Japan reiterated its support for regional peace efforts, saying it would continue working with all relevant parties to support de-escalation and ensure full implementation of the ceasefire agreement.