UBON RATCHATHANI, Thailand – In a big step towards de-escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, military officials from both nations reached an agreement on June 8, 2025, to withdraw their forces to positions held in 2024 at the disputed Chong Bok pass in Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province, according to posts from the Pheu Thai party and the Thai Government official PR channel. The Pattaya News notes that the army has not officially confirmed the report as of press time, however, neither has Cambodia.
The agreement, announced following intensive negotiations, also includes Cambodia’s commitment to fill trenches dug in the contested area and restore the landscape to its original state. To maintain peace, both sides have pledged to hold weekly talks between military officials.
The breakthrough comes after a violent clash on May 28, 2025, when Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged gunfire near Chong Bok, resulting in the death of one Cambodian soldier. The incident, sparked by Cambodian forces allegedly digging trenches in a disputed zone, reignited longstanding territorial disputes in the area. Thai officials claimed their troops acted in self-defense during routine patrols, while Cambodia accused Thai forces of initiating the attack. The skirmish prompted a wave of nationalist sentiment in Cambodia, with calls for boycotts of Thai products and temporary closures of border checkpoints.
Negotiations began swiftly after the clash, with both nations’ army commanders meeting on May 29 to discuss de-escalation. The agreement to withdraw troops by at least 200 meters from the clash site was an early outcome, alongside plans to resolve the dispute through the Joint Boundary Committee (JBC), a bilateral mechanism tasked with demarcating the border. Cambodia has agreed to host a JBC meeting on June 14, 2025, to address overlapping territorial claims, supported by the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and satellite imagery.
Under the June 8 agreement, Cambodian forces will fill the trenches dug at Hill 745, a focal point of the recent conflict, and both sides will return to their 2024 positions to reduce the risk of further confrontations. The commitment to weekly military talks aims to foster communication and prevent misunderstandings, with local commanders already reporting a calmer atmosphere along the border.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stressed the importance of unity and peaceful resolution, stating, “Thailand is a peaceful nation, but we are fully prepared to protect our people.” Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, while expressing support for bilateral mechanisms, has indicated Cambodia’s intent to refer disputes over four border areas, including Chong Bok, to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a move Thailand opposes in favor of bilateral talks.
The Chong Bok pass, located near the tri-border region of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, has a history of contention, with disputes dating back decades. The area’s complex past includes overlapping claims and previous military clashes, notably around the Preah Vihear Temple, which the ICJ awarded to Cambodia in 1962 and reaffirmed in 2013. Thailand says they do not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICJ.
Despite these tensions, both nations have expressed a desire to avoid escalation, with Thai Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and his Cambodian counterpart, Tea Seiha, advocating for restraint during recent discussions.
As both nations prepare for the upcoming JBC meeting, the agreement at Chong Bok offers hope for a peaceful resolution. However, the region’s history of disputes shows the need for sustained dialogue and clear demarcation to prevent future conflicts. For now, the withdrawal of forces and commitment to weekly talks signal a shared resolve to prioritize stability and cooperation along the Thai-Cambodian border.
