Thai - Cambodia Conflict Thailand Agrees to China, US Observers at Border Talks

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

The Acting Defence Minister, General Natthaphon Nakpanich, has agreed to allow observers from the United States, China and Malaysia to attend a key border meeting with Cambodia on 7 August, according to a senior defence ministry source.

 

The rare concession follows a request from Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence and comes amid heightened tensions over the border dispute and recent accusations exchanged between the two nations.

 

Initially, Thai officials were reluctant to permit foreign observers, particularly from the US and China, arguing that the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting is traditionally a bilateral mechanism. However, during recent discussions within the National Security Council (NSC), concerns were raised that a Thai refusal could be interpreted as an attempt to withhold transparency or suggest ulterior motives. Consequently, the NSC recommended allowing limited participation by observers.

 

Rear Admiral Surasak Kongsiri, spokesman for the Thai Defence Ministry, confirmed on 1 August, that General Natthaphon had officially replied in writing to the Cambodian side, agreeing to the presence of the three foreign observer nations only for the main meeting on 7 August.

 

In preparation for the summit, joint secretarial-level talks will be held between 4–6 August to review relevant data, finalise discussion points and handle administrative matters. The primary agenda is expected to focus on defusing ongoing tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, particularly incidents that have drawn public and diplomatic attention in recent weeks.

 

The Thai side has requested the preliminary discussions in order to thoroughly prepare for the high-level dialogue. The Defence Ministry emphasised that while the upcoming meeting marks an elevation to policy-level engagement, it does not alter the fundamentally bilateral nature of the talks.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-08-03