Bangkok (VNA) – Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has assigned the military to assess the need for adjusting border checkpoint operations with Cambodia amid easing tensions, reported the local English-language daily online newspaper The Nation.
The Deputy PM, also Defence Minister, confirmed that tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border have eased significantly, following Cambodian troops' return to positions held in 2024 and the closure of defensive trenches in compliance with Thai requests.
Phumtham credited the successful de-escalation to coordinated negotiations at every level of command, involving PM-level discussions down to direct coordination between the Supreme Commanders, Army Commanders, and Thailand’s Second Army Region. Military attachés from both sides also played a key role as diplomatic intermediaries.
The official confirmed that the upcoming meeting of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Committee (JBC), scheduled for June 14, will focus on technical matters related to maintaining the boundary status quo until a formal resolution is reached.
Addressing concerns about border access, he clarified that Thailand has not closed any checkpoints, but has imposed limited operating hours. Trade remains unaffected, with current measures classified under the "Seal, Stop, Safe" framework.
Phumtham concluded that tensions at the actual flashpoints—Chong Bok, the Emerald Triangle, and the alstonia scholaris tree—have now eased. While forces remain stationed in other areas, no active clashes are reported./.
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