Cambodia-Thailand border dispute mediation

Developing StoryLast updated MAY 23
SUMMARY

Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Tea Seiha welcomed Thailand's initiative for bilateral border meetings on May 23, 2026, following Thailand's revocation of earlier MOUs concerning border and maritime disputes. As of May 23, 2026: Cambodia is shifting its strategy from the International Court of Justice to bilateral negotiations, with China actively mediating peace efforts through high-level meetings and Track II dialogues. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Cambodia and Thailand on April 21, 2026, for a '2+2' strategic dialogue and mediation, while Spain and the European Union have also expressed support for a peaceful resolution. Cambodia urges Thailand to resume joint border demarcation work, prioritizing civilian areas, and both nations agreed to maintain current troop positions to prevent accidental clashes.

Timeline

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May 2026 — 1 developments

  1. Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Tea Seiha welcomed Thailand's initiative to hold bilateral border meetings through existing mechanisms such as the General Border Committee (GBC).

    Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Tea Seiha welcomed Thailand's initiative to hold bilateral border meetings through existing mechanisms such as the General Border Committee (GBC). He expressed hope that these meetings would strengthen mutual trust, reduce tensions, and resolve issues through dialogue. This follows Thailand's move to revoke earlier MOUs concerning border and maritime disputes.

April 2026 — 9 developments

  1. China is actively mediating peace efforts between Thailand and Cambodia, involving high-level meetings and Track II dialogues.

    China is actively mediating peace efforts between Thailand and Cambodia, involving high-level meetings and Track II dialogues. Spain and the European Union have also expressed support for a peaceful resolution grounded in international law.

  2. China has facilitated a Track II dialogue involving non-governmental experts and think tanks to address the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict.

    China has facilitated a Track II dialogue involving non-governmental experts and think tanks to address the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict. Concurrently, Thailand is considering abolishing a 2001 maritime Memorandum of Understanding with Cambodia, suggesting negotiations can now occur under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

  3. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is visiting Cambodia and Thailand to strengthen ties and mediate the ongoing border dispute.

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is visiting Cambodia and Thailand to strengthen ties and mediate the ongoing border dispute. The visit includes a '2+2' strategic dialogue between China and Cambodia, involving their foreign and defense ministers. Analysts consider this visit crucial for resolving the dispute and implementing previous agreements like the Fuxian Consensus.

  4. Cambodia is shifting its border dispute resolution strategy from the International Court of Justice …

    Cambodia is shifting its border dispute resolution strategy from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to bilateral negotiations with Thailand, as emphasized by Prime Minister Hun Manet. This move aims to expedite the demarcation process following the December 2025 ceasefire. While Cambodia is eager to resume survey and demarcation work, Thailand has indicated that internal procedures must be completed before participating in Joint Border Committee meetings.

  5. Thai officials indicated that discussions on resuming Joint Border Committee (JBC) meetings might occur informally during the ASEAN summit in early May 2026.

    Thai officials indicated that discussions on resuming Joint Border Committee (JBC) meetings might occur informally during the ASEAN summit in early May 2026. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated his country's commitment to bilateral negotiations and peaceful resolution of border disputes with Thailand, aligning with new Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's policy. Both nations agreed to maintain current troop positions to prevent accidental clashes while technical teams conduct surveys.

  6. Cambodia has urged Thailand to resume negotiations to address their long-standing border dispute, emphasizing the importance of dialogue for peace and security.

    Cambodia has urged Thailand to resume negotiations to address their long-standing border dispute, emphasizing the importance of dialogue for peace and security. Thailand has stated it is not yet in a position to resume talks due to its ongoing government formation processes.

  7. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet urged Thailand to resume joint border demarcation work, prioritizing civilian areas.

    Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet urged Thailand to resume joint border demarcation work, prioritizing civilian areas. This call follows trilateral talks in China where Thailand and Cambodia agreed to solidify a ceasefire and rebuild mutual trust, with China emphasizing the importance of the hard-won peace. The discussions also covered combating transnational crimes and included China's pledge of humanitarian aid for Cambodia.

  8. The foreign ministers of Thailand, Cambodia, and China met in China on December 29, 2025, to discuss de-escalation and border safety measures following a new ceasefire agreement.

    The foreign ministers of Thailand, Cambodia, and China met in China on December 29, 2025, to discuss de-escalation and border safety measures following a new ceasefire agreement. Additionally, ASEAN observers from Singapore and Malaysia have joined to strengthen regional oversight of the ceasefire and related agreements.

  9. Scholars from China, Cambodia, and Thailand convened in Beijing for a 'Track II dialogue' to advance a peace process under the 'Fuxian consensus'.

    Scholars from China, Cambodia, and Thailand convened in Beijing for a 'Track II dialogue' to advance a peace process under the 'Fuxian consensus'. China, mediating the dispute, expressed satisfaction with the continued ceasefire and the return of 18 Cambodian soldiers following the December 2025 agreement.

February 2026 — 2 developments

  1. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has called for de-escalation and peaceful coexistence amid ongoin…

    Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has called for de-escalation and peaceful coexistence amid ongoing border disputes with Thailand, emphasizing his government's support for a peaceful settlement. Cambodia has also highlighted intensified diplomatic efforts to safeguard national interests and seek a peaceful resolution, with Prime Minister Hun Manet returning from diplomatic missions to the US and Europe.

  2. Thailand's military reported an exchange of fire with Cambodian forces along their shared border on February 24, 2026, accusing Cambodia of violating a December ceasefire.

    Thailand's military reported an exchange of fire with Cambodian forces along their shared border on February 24, 2026, accusing Cambodia of violating a December ceasefire. Cambodia has denied using any weapons, calling the allegations false and intended to provoke tension.

January 2026 — 20 developments

  1. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed that border tensions with Cambodia have been resolved, with no continuous gunfire reported.

    Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed that border tensions with Cambodia have been resolved, with no continuous gunfire reported. He stated that frontline commanders are expected to resolve incidents according to the ceasefire agreement.

  2. Thailand and Cambodia have extended their ceasefire for three months until mid-May, with plans to involve an ASEAN observer group to reduce tensions.

    Thailand and Cambodia have extended their ceasefire for three months until mid-May, with plans to involve an ASEAN observer group to reduce tensions. The Thai Foreign Minister described the ceasefire as fragile, and the Thai military responded to Cambodian allegations of violations.

  3. Cambodia marked one month since its ceasefire with Thailand became effective on December 27, with go…

    Cambodia marked one month since its ceasefire with Thailand became effective on December 27, with government spokesman Pen Bona stating the truce has prevented further casualties and allowed displaced citizens to return. Cambodia reiterated that the ceasefire does not compromise its sovereignty.

  4. The Cambodian government reports that public services are gradually resuming in the seven provinces …

    The Cambodian government reports that public services are gradually resuming in the seven provinces affected by the conflict, though some facilities remain closed due to security concerns.

  5. Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to internationally backed ceasefire and peace agreements with…

    Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to internationally backed ceasefire and peace agreements with Thailand, stating it will not accept any border changes resulting from the use of force. Government spokesman Pen Bona emphasized that Phnom Penh would fully implement all agreements.

  6. Cambodia's Interior Ministry reported that 82% of over 640,000 displaced persons have returned home since the ceasefire, though 116,779 individuals remain in displacement camps.

    Cambodia's Interior Ministry reported that 82% of over 640,000 displaced persons have returned home since the ceasefire, though 116,779 individuals remain in displacement camps. Additionally, Thai authorities have diplomatically addressed a controversial open letter from a Cambodian senator regarding Thailand's monarchy through private channels to maintain stable relations.

  7. A Buddha statue has been erected on Thailand's disputed border with Cambodia, replacing a Hindu deity likeness removed last month.

    A Buddha statue has been erected on Thailand's disputed border with Cambodia, replacing a Hindu deity likeness removed last month. Cambodia has condemned this installation, indicating continued tensions despite the recent ceasefire.

  8. The foreign ministers of Thailand and Cambodia met in Beijing, China, for talks aimed at resolving their border dispute, with China mediating the discussions.

    The foreign ministers of Thailand and Cambodia met in Beijing, China, for talks aimed at resolving their border dispute, with China mediating the discussions. This meeting signifies a direct high-level diplomatic engagement facilitated by China to solidify the ceasefire and find a peaceful resolution.

  9. China has taken on a more significant role in mediating peace between Thailand and Cambodia following renewed fighting in December 2025.

    China has taken on a more significant role in mediating peace between Thailand and Cambodia following renewed fighting in December 2025. Additionally, Canada has updated its travel advisory for Thailand, warning of unpredictable security along the border despite the ceasefire.

  10. Cambodia's Minister of Information, Neth Pheakra, affirmed the country's commitment to peaceful solu…

    Cambodia's Minister of Information, Neth Pheakra, affirmed the country's commitment to peaceful solutions through international mechanisms and law in its border dispute with Thailand. He stated that Cambodia has firmly defended its sovereignty and territorial integrity against Thai military aggression.

  11. Cambodia has accused Thailand of violating the December ceasefire by continuing to occupy civilian a…

    Cambodia has accused Thailand of violating the December ceasefire by continuing to occupy civilian areas, erecting barbed wire and shipping containers, and demolishing Cambodian homes in disputed border zones. In response, Cambodia has lodged new formal protests with Thailand regarding these alleged military activities.

  12. A mortar strike on January 6 wounded a Thai soldier, which Thailand attributed to Cambodia, while Cambodia claimed it was an operational error.

    A mortar strike on January 6 wounded a Thai soldier, which Thailand attributed to Cambodia, while Cambodia claimed it was an operational error. The ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia was signed on December 27, 2025.

  13. Thailand's Foreign Ministry has criticized a Cambodian senator's remarks concerning the Thai monarchy as improper and contrary to diplomatic etiquette.

    Thailand's Foreign Ministry has criticized a Cambodian senator's remarks concerning the Thai monarchy as improper and contrary to diplomatic etiquette. Thailand also reiterated its commitment to the December 27, 2025, Joint Statement but noted continued violations by Cambodia.

  14. Thailand's Ambassador to France, Nikorndej Balankura, reported that Thailand has strictly adhered to the Joint Statement signed on December 27, 2025.

    Thailand's Ambassador to France, Nikorndej Balankura, reported that Thailand has strictly adhered to the Joint Statement signed on December 27, 2025. However, Thailand observes that Cambodia continues to violate the agreement through provocative actions, both militarily and rhetorically.

  16. Cambodia has formally requested Thailand to deploy a joint surveying team to resume the installation of temporary border markers.

    Cambodia has formally requested Thailand to deploy a joint surveying team to resume the installation of temporary border markers. This diplomatic note, sent on January 13, 2026, proposes deployment dates between January 19 and January 23 to swiftly resolve the border issue.

  17. Officials from the Cambodia-Thailand Regional Border Committee met on January 15, 2026, to strengthen the recently agreed ceasefire.

    Officials from the Cambodia-Thailand Regional Border Committee met on January 15, 2026, to strengthen the recently agreed ceasefire. Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to faithfully implement the joint statement.

  18. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on January 12, 2026, affirming its commitmen…

    The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on January 12, 2026, affirming its commitment to the ceasefire agreement and protesting Cambodia's allegations of illegal occupation and military operations.

  19. Thailand accused Cambodia of violating a recent ceasefire agreement, which resulted in a Thai soldier being wounded by shrapnel.

    Thailand accused Cambodia of violating a recent ceasefire agreement, which resulted in a Thai soldier being wounded by shrapnel. This incident occurred days after Thailand had repatriated 18 Cambodian soldiers as part of the deal to halt weeks of deadly fighting.

  20. A ceasefire agreement was signed in Yuxi, Yunnan province, just before two days of peace talks brokered by China.

    A ceasefire agreement was signed in Yuxi, Yunnan province, just before two days of peace talks brokered by China. Thai and Cambodian foreign ministers had agreed to meet on December 22, following Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's phone calls urging an immediate ceasefire.

December 2025 — 11 developments

  1. Thailand released 18 Cambodian prisoners of war on December 31, 2025, as a demonstration of goodwill and confidence-building following the renewed ceasefire agreement.

    Thailand released 18 Cambodian prisoners of war on December 31, 2025, as a demonstration of goodwill and confidence-building following the renewed ceasefire agreement. The soldiers had been held for 155 days.

  2. Top diplomats from Thailand and Cambodia met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in China to consolidate their ceasefire and rebuild mutual trust.

    Top diplomats from Thailand and Cambodia met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in China to consolidate their ceasefire and rebuild mutual trust. China announced it is ready to help ASEAN observers monitor the ceasefire. The agreement also includes the repatriation of 18 Cambodian soldiers held prisoner by Thailand.

  3. Top diplomats from Thailand and Cambodia met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in China to consolidate their ceasefire.

    Top diplomats from Thailand and Cambodia met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in China to consolidate their ceasefire. Following the trilateral talks, Beijing announced that the Southeast Asian neighbors plan to rebuild mutual trust and gradually consolidate the ceasefire after weeks of fierce border clashes that killed at least 101 people and displaced over half a million.

  5. Following trilateral talks, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to rebuild mutual trust, gradually consolidate the ceasefire, and restore exchanges.

    Following trilateral talks, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to rebuild mutual trust, gradually consolidate the ceasefire, and restore exchanges. This outcome was announced by Beijing in a joint communique.

  6. Top diplomats from Thailand and Cambodia met in China's Yunnan province for two days of talks, media…

    Top diplomats from Thailand and Cambodia met in China's Yunnan province for two days of talks, mediated by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, to solidify the new ceasefire and promote lasting peace.

  7. Thailand and Cambodia signed a new immediate ceasefire agreement, effective from noon local time, pledging to halt all hostilities after weeks of renewed deadly clashes.

    Thailand and Cambodia signed a new immediate ceasefire agreement, effective from noon local time, pledging to halt all hostilities after weeks of renewed deadly clashes.

  8. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held phone talks with his Cambodian and Thai counterparts on Decemb…

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held phone talks with his Cambodian and Thai counterparts on December 18, 2025, affirming China's continuous constructive role in promoting peace between the two nations. He also expressed sadness over civilian casualties and stressed urgency.

  10. An enhanced ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia was signed on October 26, 2025, with Donald…

    An enhanced ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia was signed on October 26, 2025, with Donald Trump present, who received a Nobel Peace Prize nomination from Cambodia for his intervention. Earlier in June 2025, the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok urged restraint and offered to facilitate peace talks amid increasing troop movements.

  11. The armed conflict along the disputed border reignited, with Thailand launching air strikes after accusing Cambodian troops of firing first.

    The armed conflict along the disputed border reignited, with Thailand launching air strikes after accusing Cambodian troops of firing first. Both countries again accused each other of breaching the ceasefire.

November 2025 — 2 developments

  1. Thailand announced it was halting the implementation of the July ceasefire pact after a landmine blast injured a Thai soldier, which Cambodia denied laying.

    Thailand announced it was halting the implementation of the July ceasefire pact after a landmine blast injured a Thai soldier, which Cambodia denied laying.

  2. Cambodia has initiated the withdrawal of heavy artillery and rocket systems from its border with Thailand, marking the first phase of a demilitarization agreement.

    Cambodia has initiated the withdrawal of heavy artillery and rocket systems from its border with Thailand, marking the first phase of a demilitarization agreement. This action follows the October 26 Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration.

July 2025 — 4 developments

  1. Cambodia and Thailand reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire agreement at an informal trilater…

    Cambodia and Thailand reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire agreement at an informal trilateral meeting with China in Shanghai, acknowledging China's constructive role in de-escalation.

  2. Both Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an unconditional ceasefire in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, following talks mediated by Malaysia and encouraged by the United States and China.

    Both Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an unconditional ceasefire in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, following talks mediated by Malaysia and encouraged by the United States and China.

  3. U.S. President Donald Trump called leaders of both countries, who agreed to meet soon to work out a …

    U.S. President Donald Trump called leaders of both countries, who agreed to meet soon to work out a ceasefire.

  4. Armed clashes erupted along the border, with both sides accusing the other of initiating fire.

    Armed clashes erupted along the border, with both sides accusing the other of initiating fire. Thailand deployed F-16 jets, bombing a Cambodian military target, and fighting intensified over the following days.

May 2025 — 1 developments

  1. A skirmish near the Preah Vihear temple resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier, marking the fi…

    A skirmish near the Preah Vihear temple resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier, marking the first deadly clash since 2011 and triggering a new escalation of the border conflict.