Cambodia Reports Calm Border Amid ASEAN Visit, Urges Halt to Attacks
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – The Cambodian Ministry of National Defence reported a period of calm along the Cambodian-Thai border in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces between midnight and 6 a. on Saturday, August 9, 2025.
This follows recent tensions and ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry, stated that Cambodian forces are maintaining "strong and full vigilance" in accordance with the agreed ceasefire terms.
The reported calm coincides with a visit from an ASEAN delegation, aimed at mediating the border dispute and fostering dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand. The delegation's presence underscores the regional concern over the potential for escalation and the importance of maintaining stability within the ASEAN community.
Details of the delegation's itinerary and meetings are yet to be fully disclosed. The Ministry's statement also included an appeal for a halt to what it termed "slingshot attacks" along the border.
Background
These incidents, while seemingly minor, contribute to a climate of distrust and can easily escalate into more serious confrontations.
The Cambodian government has consistently reiterated its commitment to resolving the border dispute through peaceful means and within the framework of international law The border region between Cambodia and Thailand has been a source of intermittent conflict for decades, primarily related to the contested area surrounding the Preah Vihear temple The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 1962 that the temple itself belonged to Cambodia, but disputes over the surrounding land have persisted More recently, the ICJ clarified its earlier ruling in 2013, further defining the boundary line
However, disagreements remain on the ground, leading to occasional clashes between the two countries' armed forces Current SituationASEAN has played a crucial role in facilitating dialogue and preventing further escalation of the conflict
The organization's principles of non-interference and peaceful resolution of disputes provide a framework for addressing the issue through diplomacy and negotiation The current ASEAN delegation visit is a testament to the organization's commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region
The situation is being closely monitored by both the Cambodian and Thai governments, as well as the international community The hope is that the ASEAN delegation's visit will pave the way for a more lasting resolution to the border dispute and a return to peaceful relations between Cambodia and Thailand The Cambodian government has reaffirmed its commitment to working with Thailand and ASEAN to achieve this goal While the situation currently appears calm, observers emphasize the need for continued vigilance and restraint on both sides
Any further incidents could easily undermine the progress made in recent weeks and jeopardize the ongoing diplomatic efforts The focus remains on maintaining the ceasefire, fostering dialogue, and ultimately reaching a mutually acceptable solution to the long-standing border dispute The implications of this border dispute extend beyond Cambodia and Thailand, impacting regional stability and the credibility of ASEAN as a conflict resolution mechanism How this situation unfolds will be crucial for the future of ASEAN cooperation and security
