Thailand, Cambodia beef up security along shared border amid tensions

Thailand on Saturday, June 7, 2025, increased its military presence along its disputed border with Cambodia after observing a buildup of Cambodian forces.

This is according to Thai Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham.

Phumtham who also serves as deputy prime minister, made the announcement on Saturday amid growing tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations.

Tensions flared following the death of a Cambodian soldier in a brief clash on May 28 in an area of the border that has not been officially demarcated.

Since then, both countries have exchanged carefully worded diplomatic statements affirming their commitment to dialogue, yet the situation on the ground appears to be deteriorating.

Phumtham stated that recent bilateral talks held on Thursday failed to produce any agreement, with Cambodia rejecting proposals that could have helped de-escalate the situation.

He noted that, in addition to the rejection of talks, there had been a significant increase in military forces along the border.

This has reportedly heightened tensions.

“In light of these developments, the Royal Thai Government finds it necessary to adopt further measures and enhance our military readiness,” Phumtham said.

However, he did not provide specific details regarding the size or scope of military reinforcements from either side.

In a separate statement released on Saturday, the Thai military accused Cambodian civilians of repeatedly crossing into Thai territory.

These actions, along with the military buildup, were interpreted by Thailand as a signal of potential use of force.

In response, the Thai army declared its intention to assert full control over all checkpoints along the Cambodian border.

Cambodia has not yet publicly commented on the recent Thai statements or military movements.

However, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet addressed the situation during a speech on Saturday.

He emphasized that Cambodia’s position is one of self-defense, not aggression.

“We are not seeking to start a conflict.

“Our aim is to defend our sovereignty,” Hun Manet stated.

He underscored Cambodia’s commitment to international law and noted that its military forces are prepared to respond to any threats.

Despite the military tensions, Thailand insists it remains committed to a diplomatic resolution.

A spokesperson from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed this position, saying the country is eager to move forward with existing diplomatic channels.

He especially referred to the upcoming meeting of the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) scheduled for June 14.

“The Thai side reaffirms its readiness to engage through established bilateral mechanisms,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said.

“We sincerely hope that the negotiations will proceed in good faith.”

The renewed troop deployments come despite mediation efforts from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Ibrahim currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as from China.

Both have been working to lower tensions between the two countries, but the border issue remains unresolved.

Thailand and Cambodia have a long history of border disputes, with tensions dating back over a century.

The 817-kilometer (508-mile) land boundary between them has several undemarcated sections, which have been sources of friction for decades.

One of the most notable flare-ups occurred in 2008 over the Preah Vihear Temple, an 11th-century Hindu temple near the border.

That dispute led to intermittent skirmishes and the deaths of at least a dozen soldiers from both sides.

A particularly intense conflict occurred in 2011, when artillery fire was exchanged for an entire week.

The upcoming meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission on June 14 is expected to focus on border demarcation issues and could play a critical role in reducing current tensions.

Both countries face pressure to resolve their differences peacefully.

This particularly, is given the historical significance and complexity of their territorial disputes.

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