The military leaders of Thailand and Cambodia are set to meet on Thursday following a recent border clash that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier, underscoring persistent tensions between the neighboring countries. Reports reveal that the soldier was killed during an exchange of gunfire at the border, prompting both governments to seek a resolution through dialogue.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized the importance of maintaining calm and engaging in discussions to resolve misunderstandings. “Both sides should remain calm and discuss to see what we can agree,” she stated during a press briefing. Meanwhile, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed hope on social media that the upcoming meeting of the two army commanders would lead to a constructive outcome.
The Thai Defense Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, addressed the media, clarifying that the discussions would take place in the afternoon and that both armies had experienced a “misunderstanding.” This incident follows a history of conflicts along the long and contentious border, which stretches over 800 kilometers and has long been disputed since the era of French colonialism in Indochina.
The clash on Wednesday was brief, reportedly lasting around ten minutes, beginning when Thai soldiers fired in response to gunshots from the Cambodian border force, leading to an exchange that ceased only after a request for a ceasefire from the Cambodian side. Cambodian Royal Army spokesman Mao Phalla characterized the incident as an attack on his troops, who were conducting border patrols in the northern Preah Vihear province. “Our soldier died in the trenches. The Thais came to attack us,” he asserted.
The history of conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, particularly over the Preah Vihear temple, remains a sensitive issue. The temple conflict, which escalated in 2008, resulted in armed confrontations that accounted for at least 28 deaths. The International Court of Justice eventually ruled in favor of Cambodia regarding the disputed territory adjacent to the temple.
On a diplomatic front, former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who is also the father of Hun Manet, urged both nations to pursue a peaceful resolution to the current tensions. His calls for calm reflect a shared desire for stability between the two countries, especially as regional leaders had recently convened at a Southeast Asian summit, affirming their commitment to increased cooperation.
This meeting is significant, as it arrives on the heels of a previously successful diplomatic engagement; Paetongtarn’s visit to Cambodia in April was aimed at strengthening cross-border cooperation on a variety of issues, including online scams and environmental concerns. The ongoing discussions highlight the delicate balance that both nations must navigate to avoid future conflicts and foster a peaceful coexistence at their shared border.
