Military Start Withdrawing Heavy Weapons from Border

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

The Royal Thai Armed Forces have started withdrawing heavy weapons from the Thai–Cambodian border as part of the agreement between the two nations. Two M60A3 tanks were moved back to their base in Saraburi Province on 28 October 2025, under the supervision of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT). The operation was conducted smoothly and marked a key milestone in implementing the recently signed accord.

Major Jaffny from Malaysia and Master Sergeant Apolonio from the Philippines represented the ASEAN Observer Team during the verification and observation of the tank relocation. The process was overseen by Colonel Natthaphon Boonkrabue, Chief of Staff of the 2nd Cavalry Division, King’s Guard, at the 17th Cavalry Battalion of the 1st Cavalry Regiment, King’s Guard. The withdrawal forms part of the commitments outlined in the “Joint Thailand–Cambodia Agreement” signed on 26 October 2025 in Malaysia.

Both countries reaffirmed their shared determination to uphold the agreement, aiming to foster mutual trust, ease tensions, and lay the groundwork for long-term cooperation. Army spokesman Major General Withai Laithomya described 26 October as the “D-Day” for the beginning of heavy weapon withdrawals under the bilateral accord. He called it an important first step demonstrating Thailand’s firm commitment to peaceful engagement and stability along the border.

The move reflects Thailand’s intention to de-escalate border tensions and prevent misunderstandings that could arise from military posturing. The Royal Thai Armed Forces reiterated their dedication to peaceful methods of conflict resolution while safeguarding national sovereignty and the safety of residents in border areas.

Major General Withai emphasised that the withdrawal process is being conducted with care and in strict adherence to principles of national security and sovereignty. He said the army’s actions align with its goal to maintain a secure and stable environment for communities along the Thai–Cambodian frontier. The initiative has been viewed as a concrete step toward reinforcing bilateral confidence and reducing the risk of future conflict.

As implementation continues, both Thailand and Cambodia are expected to follow the roadmap jointly agreed upon, with ASEAN observers maintaining a monitoring role. The process is anticipated to include further demilitarisation measures and sustained dialogue to ensure lasting border stability and cooperation.

Key Takeaways

• Thailand has withdrawn two M60A3 tanks from the border as part of the Thai–Cambodian agreement.

• ASEAN observers from Malaysia and the Philippines monitored the operation on 28 October 2025.

• Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to peace, stability, and trust-building along the shared border.

Related Stories

Anutin-to-attend-Thai-Cambodian-peace-pact-signing-in-KL/

Asean-summit-Trump-aims-to-broker-Thailand-Cambodia-peace

  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Amarin 2025-10-29