In an ongoing border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, former Cambodian leader Hun Sen and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra separately visited the contentious areas as tensions simmer between the two Southeast Asian nations. The discord has led to stringent land-crossing restrictions and multiple economic boycotts.
There was no meeting between Hun Sen and Paetongtarn, despite ongoing issues stemming from a confrontation on May 28, which resulted in a Cambodian soldier’s death in a border area both countries claim. While there has been some agreement to ease tensions, both nations continue to enact measures that have kept bilateral relations strained.
After his border visit, Hun Sen announced on social media that Cambodia has bolstered military presence along the border in light of the recent skirmish, describing troops as being “constantly prepared” for any aggression from the Thai military. Specific details about the timing of the reinforcements or the extent of the military build-up remain undisclosed. However, videos circulated showcasing tanks and armed forces advancing around Phnom Penh shortly after the altercation.
Hun Sen, who ended his near four-decade leadership in August 2023 by handing over power to his son Hun Manet, remains an influential figure in Cambodia, retaining positions such as Senate president. During the visit, clad in military attire, Hun Sen was seen interacting with military and governmental officials. Meanwhile, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet had already visited the area earlier that week.
The Thai army has also been responding, as disclosed by regional commander Boonsin Padklang, who acknowledged Cambodia’s increased military activity. Though he refrained from confirming whether Thailand had increased its military resources at the border, he expressed readiness to maintain security if necessary.
In response to the recent developments, Thailand imposed tightened restrictions at border checkpoints, permitting only essential travel such as for students and medical patients. This move effectively closed off the crossing for tourists, impacting thousands who traverse the border.
During her visit to the border town of Aranyaprathet, a crucial trade location, Paetongtarn engaged with local authorities and visited a school to understand the implications of these restrictions. Meanwhile, Cambodia has accused Thailand of worsening the situation through these measures and retaliated by boycotting Thai internet services, banning certain agricultural imports, and cutting off electricity and fuel supplies sourced from Thailand.
A leaked phone conversation between Paetongtarn and Hun Sen has added a layer of political complication in Thailand, leading to potential political fallout and investigations that might threaten Paetongtarn’s leadership.
The territorial disputes trace back several decades, notably to a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling that allotted disputed land housing the Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia, a point of contention that led to clashes as recently as 2011. Cambodia intends to seek further rulings on unresolved border areas, while Thailand rejects the ICJ’s jurisdiction, preferring to address such conflicts through bilateral channels.
Officials from Cambodia and Thailand are expected to convene for a joint committee meeting in September to attempt a resolution to the ongoing border tensions. Earlier discussions this month have yet to yield significant progress.