Thailand will maintain its border closure with Cambodia until Phnom Penh fulfills four specific preconditions outlined in a recent peace accord and fully restores diplomatic relations, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated firmly on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025.
Anutin’s declaration shows Bangkok’s insistence on concrete steps to de-escalate longstanding tensions. The two leaders signed a joint declaration on Sunday aimed at resolving border disputes, but Anutin stated that implementation must follow a sequential process starting with Cambodia’s compliance. “Thailand was not the one that violated the ceasefire conditions, so all actions must begin with Cambodia,” he told reporters, denying rumors of a November 1st reopening.
The four preconditions, as detailed by Anutin and confirmed by Thai officials, are:
1. Withdrawal of heavy weaponry: Cambodia initiated a symbolic pullback of artillery and tanks on Sunday night, observed by ASEAN envoys, but Thailand demands full, verified removal across the 817-kilometer (508-mile) frontier to ensure no further military posturing.
2. Landmine removal: Thai experts will lead clearance operations in disputed areas like Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaew in Sa Kaeo province, where anti-personnel mines—allegedly laid by Cambodian forces—threaten civilians. Anutin stressed Cambodia’s cooperation is essential, with ASEAN oversight to prevent obstructions.
3. Crackdown on transnational crime, including online scams: Thailand has already severed internet links and frozen assets tied to scam syndicates in Cambodia, which have defrauded thousands, including foreigners from South Korea and China. Anutin highlighted this as a trust-building measure, noting international pressure on Phnom Penh to dismantle these operations.
4. Resolution of border area conflicts: This includes managing civilian encroachments in villages like those in Sa Kaeo and Ubon Ratchathani provinces, where Cambodia has been accused of using “human shields” during protests. Thailand plans to resettle affected Thai families and enforce lawful administration, potentially revoking disputed memoranda like MOU 43 (2000) on land demarcation if violations persist.
The border, closed in phases since June 2025 amid escalating incursions—such as unauthorized Cambodian patrols near Ta Moan Thom temple and landmine incidents—has severely impacted trade at key crossings like Aranyaprathet-Poipet. Annual cross-border commerce, valued at over 100 billion baht ($2.8 billion), has stalled, affecting garments, agriculture, and tourism, while over 1 million Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand faced deportation risks. Diplomatic ties soured further after mutual ambassador expulsions in early 2025, echoing the deadly 2008-2011 Preah Vihear clashes that killed dozens.
Defence Minister Gen. Nattaphon Narkphanit described the initial weapon withdrawal as “symbolic,” urging seriousness for border residents’ safety. Government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat added that Thailand still holds 18 Cambodian soldiers in custody as leverage, to be released post-compliance. ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn welcomed the joint declaration but called for swift dialogue to safeguard regional stability.
