Thai, Cambodian Diplomats to Tour Border Amid Easing Clashes

Fragile Ceasefire Holds as Both Nations Eye Scrutiny

Thailand and Cambodia are inviting foreign diplomats to inspect border areas impacted by nearly a week of conflict. While a ceasefire appears to be holding, lingering accusations and unreturned soldiers hint at continued tensions.

Diplomatic Oversight Planned

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced plans for a Friday visit to the border region for military attachés and media representatives. The trip aims to showcase the effects of recent fighting on the ground. Cambodia is organizing a similar excursion for foreign diplomats on the same day.

On Wednesday, Cambodia hosted a delegation of diplomats from thirteen nations, including the United States and China, for a comparable border inspection.

Tensions Persist Despite Calm

Thailand reported no new skirmishes overnight into Thursday. However, officials in Surin province, a key conflict zone, advised evacuated residents against returning home while the areas are scanned for unexploded ordnance.

Cambodia’s Defence Ministry confirmed receiving the remains of one of its soldiers from Thailand. Prime Minister **Hun Manet** stated that military channels are open to arrange the return of approximately twenty other Cambodian soldiers currently held by Thai forces.

“I hope that the Thai Army will return all our soldiers who are currently in the custody of the Thai Army to Cambodia as soon as possible,” **Hun Manet** declared.

Thailand’s acting Prime Minister, **Phumtham Wechayachai**, and **Hun Manet** had previously agreed to an “unconditional” cessation of hostilities. The conflict, which claimed at least 41 lives, was brokered during talks hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister **Anwar Ibrahim**, current chair of ASEAN. The United States also exerted diplomatic pressure, with President **Donald Trump** indicating trade agreements were contingent on conflict resolution.

Accusations and Violations

Despite the ceasefire, both nations continue to blame each other for breaches. Thailand alleged that Cambodia initiated new attacks on Tuesday and Wednesday following the truce’s implementation. Conversely, Cambodia’s Major General **Chan Sopheaktra** asserted that Cambodian forces were strictly adhering to the agreement, reporting two violations by Thai troops since it took effect, without providing further details.

The recent clashes escalated from a confrontation in May that resulted in a Cambodian soldier’s death, causing a diplomatic rift and impacting Thailand’s internal politics. Last week’s cross-border fighting was triggered by a landmine explosion that injured five Thai soldiers.

As of early 2024, border disputes remain a sensitive issue in Southeast Asia. For instance, recurring skirmishes have occurred between **Myanmar** and **Thailand** over contested territories, highlighting the fragility of peace in the region.