Thailand Bolsters Troops Amid Rising Border Tensions with Cambodia

Thailand has reinforced its military presence along a disputed border with Cambodia after increased troop activity on the Cambodian side, escalating tensions following a deadly clash on May 28 that left one Cambodian soldier dead.

Thailand's Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said on Saturday that Cambodia rejected proposals during Thursday’s bilateral talks that could have de-escalated the situation. "Military buildup by Cambodia has intensified border tensions, prompting Thailand to strengthen its posture," he stated, though specifics of the reinforcements were not disclosed.

The Thai army also accused Cambodian soldiers and civilians of repeated incursions into Thai territory, stating that these actions signal an intent to use force. In response, Thailand has decided to secure and control all checkpoints along its border with Cambodia.

Efforts by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, chair of ASEAN, and Chinese officials to mediate have so far failed to ease tensions. The two nations share an 817-kilometer (508-mile) border that remains partially undemarcated. Disputes date back to 1907, when France mapped the region during its colonization of Cambodia. A long-standing point of contention has been the area surrounding the ancient Preah Vihear temple, which led to deadly skirmishes between 2008 and 2011.

While diplomatic ties have warmed in recent years—bolstered by close relations between the families of former leaders Thaksin Shinawatra and Hun Sen—recent nationalist sentiment in Thailand has reignited hostilities. The Thai military warned Friday that it is prepared to launch a “high-level operation” if its sovereignty is violated.

Cambodia has requested that the International Court of Justice resolve four disputed border areas, but Thailand rejected the court’s jurisdiction and insists on bilateral negotiations.