Thailand has sent Cambodian soldiers back to their country, a symbolic gesture of important negotiations between the two countries. Recent border conflicts between the two countries have resulted in deaths and displaced soldiers, reigniting disputes in the region. This truce, brokered with international support, now hinges on the policies between the countries, which could lead to a more lasting agreement.
Return of soldiers and a ceasefire
Thailand’s army sent home two Cambodian soldiers from a group of 20 on Friday, ahead of a key meeting in Malaysia next week where defence ministers and military commanders will hold talks aimed at maintaining a ceasefire along their disputed border. Long-simmering tensions on the Thai-Cambodian border exploded into clashes last week, including exchanges of artillery fire and jet fighter sorties, the worst fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours in over a decade.
The clashes claimed at least 43 lives and left over 300,000 people displaced. A truce was achieved on Monday, following a push by Malaysia and phone calls from U.S President Trump, who threatened to hold off tariff negotiations with both countries until fighting stopped. Thailand and Cambodia previously faced tariffs of 36% for sending goods to the U.S., their largest export markets. Following further negotiations, they will now pay a 19% tariff, the White House announced on Friday.
In Bangkok, Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub told reporters on Friday that two Cambodian soldiers had been sent back, and the remaining 18 were being processed for violating immigration law.
“The Cambodian soldiers intruded on Thai territory, and the army took them into custody, treating them based on humanitarian principles. Cambodia is actively engaging in negotiations to secure their release, and reiterates its firm call for their immediate and unconditional release in accordance with international humanitarian law,” he said.
In a statement, the Cambodian defense ministry asked Thailand to return all the detained soldiers.
Thai pressure changes venue for countries’ meeting
Defence ministers and military leaders from both sides, who were previously scheduled to meet in the Cambodian capital next week, will now hold talks in Malaysia, after Thailand sought a neutral venue for the meeting. The General Border Committee, which coordinates on border security, ceasefires, and troop deployments, will meet between August 4-7, Thai Acting Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit told reporters.
The meeting between the two countries, which was moved to Malaysia, was interpreted as Thailand’s attempt to ensure neutrality, as mutual accusations remain intense. It is expected that the countries will seize this opportunity to reach agreements to avoid further confrontation. The main diplomatic effort has been to contain economic repercussions, such as tariff threats from the US.
Regional instability is reignited with a dispute over territory
Thailand and Cambodia have for decades claimed jurisdiction over undemarcated points along their 817-km (508-mile) land border, with ownership of several ancient temples at the centre of disputes. In May, a Cambodian soldier was killed in a skirmish, leading to a troop build-up and a diplomatic crisis, which eventually snowballed into five days of intense fighting in late July.
Border disputes between countries have been used as a tool for internal political mobilization. Some warlike events, such as the death of a Cambodian soldier, have further inflamed the situation. Experts warn that without a joint effort to delimit borders based on international agreements, new episodes of violence could occur.
What can we expect after the temporary ceasefire?
Because the ceasefire is temporary, the situation remains fragile. This partial return of troops and negotiations in neutral territory are an important step, but they are still not enough to change the situation of mutual distrust. The Malaysian meeting is expected to be successful, but this will depend on the willingness of both countries to formally compromise.
GCN.com/Reuters