Cambodia-Thailand border: hope for a fragile calm after the General Committee meeting

The special meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee, held in Koh Kong, led to major advances while illustrating the continuing fragility of the situation. The two nations, which have long faced recurring tensions on their land border, opted for institutionalised dialogue and the implementation of concerted actions, against a backdrop of serious incidents at Chok Chey and humanitarian concerns.

On 17 September, more than two hundred Cambodian civilians clashed unarmed with Thai forces after further attempts to erect fences on claimed land. AKP

Progressive disarmament and the fight against transnational crime

Under the supervision of the ASEAN observer team, a timetable for the withdrawal of heavy and destructive weapons has been agreed by Phnom Penh and Bangkok. This process, accompanied by a revision of the terms of reference for the observers, aims to guarantee transparency and mutual respect in the demilitarisation of the border. At the same time, police cooperation is being stepped up to combat cross-border crime, in particular online scams and human trafficking, which thrive in the complexity of this border region rich in flows and illicit exchanges.

Humanitarian action and mine clearance

The humanitarian dimension takes centre stage, with the first meeting of the joint demining group, which will be tasked with gradually securing border areas still infested with landmines, a legacy of the region's militarised past. The Cambodian and Thai authorities exchanged their standard operating procedures, demonstrating their desire to achieve lasting peace for the local population.

Regional meeting and local crisis management

Despite diplomatic progress, the organisation of regional meetings is being postponed due to difficulties in handing over military power in Thailand. This is slowing down the management of sensitive issues, including the very tense situation in Chok Chey Village, O Bei Chon Commune, O Chrov District, in the Cambodian province of Banteay Meanchey.

Chok Chey Village: a persistent symbol of tension

The case of Chok Chey Village, located in the heart of the disputed area, is a crystallisation of antagonisms. On 17 September, more than two hundred Cambodian civilians clashed unarmed with Thai forces after further attempts to erect fences on claimed land. In response, the Thai police used tear gas and rubber bullets, injuring nearly thirty civilians, including Buddhist monks. The Cambodian authorities denounced this as a violation of national sovereignty and the ceasefire agreements, while the Thai side claimed that it had acted on its own territory using crowd control methods.

International voices and a call for dialogue

France and Japan have welcomed the maintenance of dialogue and the resumption of negotiations, stressing the importance of regional cooperation and of honouring commitments to lasting peace. A number of analysts are recommending the establishment of an international or regional observer mission to prevent escalation and guarantee the safety of border populations.

In this uncertain climate, the situation on the Cambodia-Thailand border remains a major challenge for regional stability, requiring a subtle balance between firmness, humanitarian commitment and openness to dialogue. The next few weeks will be decisive in determining whether the momentum generated on 10 September can prevail and transform the border into an area of lasting peace.