Cambodia launches 4-month visa-free trial for Chinese tourists

 

By YANG HAN in Hong Kong | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2025-12-03 16:27

This photo taken on April 14, 2025 shows the cityscape of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese tourists can visit Cambodia visa free from June 15 to Oct 15 next year, under a pilot program announced by the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism on Dec 3.

The Cambodian government has approved the implementation of a pilot visa exemption for Chinese nationals travelling from China, according to a document released by the ministry.

The exemption allows a 14-day stay during the four-month pilot program, without requiring any application or fees. The completion of an e-arrival card upon entry is still required.

During the pilot period, Chinese tourists can enter Cambodia multiple times.

During the first 10 months of this year, Cambodia attracted about 4.8 million international tourists, of which about one million were Chinese tourists, according to Xinhua, citing Cambodian Tourism Minister Huot Hak.

Before the pandemic in 2019, Cambodia received about 2.3 million Chinese tourists, accounting for about one-third of the total international tourist arrivals to the kingdom.

"The growth of Chinese tourists is a great opportunity, not only to boost the development of the tourism industry, but also to create investment opportunities in other sectors,” Hak said on Nov 27.

Currently, Chinese tourists can enter Cambodia with a visa-on-arrival, an e-visa, or a visa obtained through the embassy.

Thailand, Cambodia clash at UN mine ban talks as ‘fragile’ border truce teeters

Analysts warn relations are in a ‘fragile place’ as the neighbours trade barbs and leverage international law at a UN meeting in Geneva

scmp

Sam Beltran, Published: 4:01pm, 3 Dec 2025.

 

 

Thailand and Cambodia took their renewed border dispute to a United Nations forum on landmine prohibition in Geneva this week, each vying for international support as their ties continued to unravel.

Both governments used the meeting of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, also known as the Ottawa Convention, to appeal to the international community.

Cambodian Senior Minister Ly Thuch met International Committee of the Red Cross vice-president Gilles Carbonnier on the sidelines of the week-long gathering, which runs from Monday to Friday.

He reportedly urged the organisation to closely monitor the condition of 18 Cambodian soldiers detained by Thai authorities, called for their immediate release and for Bangkok to uphold its commitments under bilateral agreements and international law.

Ly Thuch, who serves as first vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority, described the detentions as “unlawful”, noting that the soldiers had been held for 125 days as of Monday.

He also urged the Red Cross to apply stronger pressure on Thailand to comply with its obligations under the Cambodia-Thailand peace agreement.

Angkor Wat Crowned Asia’s Top Tourist Attraction in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards

 

Phnom Penh 2 December 2025 — Cambodia’s world-renowned cultural treasure, Angkor Wat, has been honored as the No. 1 Top Attraction in Asia in the prestigious Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2025, solidifying its status as one of the planet’s most cherished heritage sites.

 

Selected from millions of traveler reviews worldwide, Angkor Wat earned the highest recognition for its exceptional cultural significance, breathtaking architectural mastery, and timeless spiritual beauty — standing proudly above a remarkable list of Asia’s most iconic destinations.

 

Top 20 Attractions in Asia — Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best 2025

 

1. Angkor Wat – Cambodia

2. Mutianyu Great Wall – China

3. Taj Mahal – India

4. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine – Japan

5. War Remnants Museum – Vietnam

6. Hoi An Ancient Town – Vietnam

7. Wat Phra Chetuphon – Thailand

8. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary – Indonesia

9. Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) – Thailand

10. Qutub Minar – India

11. Kinkakuji Temple – Japan

12. Big Buddha Phuket – Thailand

13. The Grand Palace – Thailand

14. Tegalalang Rice Terrace – Indonesia

15. Singapore Botanic Gardens – Singapore

16. Cloud Forest – Singapore

17. Bayon Temple – Cambodia

18. Gyeongbokgung Palace – Republic of Korea

19. Victoria Peak – Hong Kong SAR

20. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic – Sri Lanka

 

Cambodia is particularly proud to have two magnificent temples recognized among Asia’s best — Angkor Wat and Bayon — reflecting the nation’s profound cultural heritage and continued dedication to heritage preservation and sustainable tourism.

 

A symbol of national identity and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat continues to inspire millions of global travelers, serving as a bridge between ancient Khmer civilization and the modern world.

 

The Royal Government of Cambodia extends its appreciation to international visitors who continue to celebrate and support the Kingdom’s unique cultural legacy. Cambodia remains committed to strengthening tourism services, safeguarding cultural heritage, and welcoming the world to explore the wonders of the Angkor Archaeological Park.

 

Asian Speech 

 

Cambodian Officials Reject Allegations of Land Concessions to Thailand

Khmer Circle: 

Well, we are no experts but, what maps and what technical and legal procedures have been followed in the re-drawing or re-demarcation of Cambodia's boundary with the other incessantly land-hungry neighbour to the East? Did the French really draw those Zigzag lines that invariably intrude into Cambodia? Were Mr Heng Samrin and his forefathers really born in Vietnam but have - along with 2-3 generations of families in the same village - lived there all these years in violation of Vietnam's territorial sovereignty and in blissful ignorance?! Of course, the Vietnamese themselves are gracious enough to let Heng Samrin - a man they nominally installed in 1979 as head of their puppet regime in Phnom Penh - keep his village but, reportedly ceded Cambodian land elsewhere in concession and compensation?  

The Vietnamese and their puppets in Phnom Penh have also used the same trick with their claim to Dak Dam - an area well inside of Cambodia of about 40 square kilometres - as leverage to pressure Phnom Penh into ceding more territory to them while providing the world and the Khmer people with this perverse rationalisation for the plunder. In fact, this method is substantively the same as that Bangkok is now using with regard to their capture and continued illegal detention of those 18 Cambodian soldiers in blatant contravention of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 on the treatment of prisoners of war.  

Transparency and verification by independent third parties are still the best solution to removing any doubt or suspicion as to whether a regime or government is actually not 'exchanging/sacrificing territorial sovereignty for 'peace''. 

^^^ 

 

— Senior Cambodian officials have rejected accusations that the government ceded territory to Thailand, calling the claims a misunderstanding of border affairs and mapping procedures.

Ith Sotha, permanent secretary of state at the Border Affairs Secretariat, said allegations of “giving up land in exchange for peace” ignore the technical and legal foundations of Cambodia’s border work.

He stressed that demarcation is conducted through bilateral negotiations and based on legally recognized documents dating back to the French colonial era.

Sotha said temporary markers along parts of the frontier indicate where permanent posts, first installed between 1919 and 1920 by the Indochina–Siam Border Demarcation Commission, will be reinstated.

He cited the 1904 and 1907 Franco-Siam Treaties, the 1907 Protocol, and related maps as the legal basis for the present-day boundary.

Secretary of State Lay Sieng Li also dismissed claims that Border Marker 43 had been moved inside Cambodian territory, saying technicians uncovered the original post using 1919 records.

Government spokesman Pen Bona accused exiled opposition figures of spreading misinformation, while analyst Yang Peou said the issue is highly technical and cannot be resolved through political activism or unverified maps.

The Border Affairs Secretariat urged public confidence in the government and the joint boundary commission, reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity.
---------------
By: Minea Son
©KPT English  

Conflict in Cambodia and Thailand Resumes—With No End in Sight

Joshua Kurlantzick is senior fellow for Southeast Asia and South Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations. Annabel Richter is a research associate for southeast Asia and south Asia at the Council.

James M. Lindsay

Weeks after a Trump-negotiated ceasefire fell apart, the two countries seem far from finding another pause in the fighting. In fact, the border conflict is likely to get worse.

Council on Foreign Relations
Article by Joshua Kurlantzick and Annabel Richter

December 1, 2025 4:24 pm (EST) 

A monk stands near a damaged dorm at Thai Niyom temple, which was hit by Cambodian artillery during the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict in Surin Province, Thailand on November 3. Valeria Mongelli/Getty Images

On the sidelines of the October summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) hosted in Malaysia, President Donald Trump and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim looked on as representatives from Cambodia and Thailand signed a joint declaration [PDF] that has come to be known as the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords. Trump, whose attendance of the summit seemed to hinge heavily on the prospect of presiding over the heavily-publicized peace deal—on top of hashing out new bilateral trade deals—appeared to enjoy the pomp and circumstance of the accords signing.

Barely two weeks later, however, an explosion in Thailand’s Sisaket Province, which borders Cambodia, seriously wounded four Thai soldiers. On November 10, Thailand suspended the ceasefire, and neither side has appeared motivated to bring the conflict to an end since. This has left the border between the two countries tense and dangerous—a situation that is unlikely to change.

The accords were supposed to solidify the resolution of active conflict between Cambodia and Thailand over contested areas of their 500-mile-long shared border. Longstanding tensions over territory claimed by both countries had erupted into five days of full-fledged fighting in July, killing  more than forty people, driving tens of thousands of people out of their homes, and empowering the Thai military by creating a spike in nationalism in Thailand. 

ស៊ុន រដ្ឋា “ប្រជាពលរដ្ឋខ្មែរស័ក្ដិសមនឹងទទួលបានជីវិតរស់នៅដែលល្អប្រសើរជាងនេះ…”

AmCham President Warns Thailand Over Geneva Convention Obligations

 

 

 

— The president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (AmCham), Casey Barnett, warned Friday that Thailand is violating international humanitarian law by continuing to detain 18 Cambodian soldiers more than 120 days after fighting ended along the border.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Barnett said Thailand’s detention breaches Article 118 of the Third Geneva Convention, which requires prisoners of war to be released and repatriated “without delay” once hostilities cease.

Barnett accused Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of using the soldiers as leverage for political and strategic concessions unrelated to the cessation of hostilities — a move he described as a deliberate violation of humanitarian norms.

According to Barnett, Anutin conditioned the release on Cambodia withdrawing troops, clearing landmines, cracking down on online scam operations, and resettling Cambodians accused of encroaching on Thai territory. He argued those demands contradict the Oct. 26 Peace Agreement.

Barnett cited Article 5 of the agreement, which states: “In a demonstration of Thailand’s intention to promote confidence and trust, the Thai side is firmly committed to releasing the prisoners of war without delay.”

It has been 123 days since the Cambodian soldiers were captured and placed under Thai military custody. On Thursday, the Royal Government of Cambodia renewed its appeal, urging Thailand to honor the peace agreement “strictly, honestly, and in good faith.”

The government emphasized that paragraph 5 of the Joint Declaration leaves no ambiguity: “The Thai side must promptly release the 18 Cambodian soldiers.”

In its statement, the government reaffirmed it is pursuing all diplomatic and legal channels to secure the soldiers’ return. “The Royal Government, the Ministry of National Defence, and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces will never abandon any of our troops under any circumstances,” it said.
---------------
By: In Sopheng
©KPT English

China Completely Defeated—Poured $20 Billion into Cambodia, but Trump Us...

តើកម្ពុជាគួរបន្តឈឺឆ្អាលនឹងលក្ខខណ្ឌរស់នៅរបស់ពលរដ្ឋវៀតណាមនៅកម្ពុជា?

ព្រោះតែព្រែកជីក វៀតណាមនឹងរករឿងកម្ពុជាមិនឲ្យបានសុខឡើយ || CAMBODIA CANAL T...

China warns Malaysia, Cambodia on US trade agreements citing ‘grave concerns’

Malay Mail
Fri, 28 November 2025 at 5:53 am GMT
2 min read
 

  

Malay Mail


BEIJING, Nov 28 — China has issued a direct rebuke to Malaysia and Cambodia, lodging formal complaints over the new trade deals the two countries signed with the United States last month.

The move signals Beijing’s growing intolerance for agreements that tie Southeast Asian nations to Washington’s national security agenda, placing the region squarely in the middle of an escalating superpower rivalry, Bloomberg reported.

Chinese Ministry of Commerce officials told their Malaysian counterparts this week that Beijing has “grave concerns” with certain parts of the deal, according to a government readout.

“We hope Malaysia will fully consider and properly handle this matter in light of its long-term national interests,” Chinese officials were quoted as saying after the engagement.

A similar message was delivered to Cambodian officials last week.

Cambodia: Returned Migrant Workers Face Hunger, Joblessness

HRW

Many Fleeing Thailand at Government’s Urging Saddled with Predatory Loans

 

Migrant workers move through the Ban Laem Immigration Checkpoint on the Thai-Cambodian border, July 28, 2025. © 2025 Ploy Phutpheng/SOPA Images/Sipa via AP Photo

    The Cambodian government is not supporting hundreds of thousands of migrant workers with microfinance debts who returned from Thailand because of hostilities in mid-2025.
    The Cambodian government has long failed to ensure an adequate standard of living, compelling many families to obtain predatory microfinance loans, making the tenuous situation of people who returned even more difficult.
    The government should follow through on its pledges to find jobs for those who returned and implement more effective measures to protect all Cambodians from predatory debt collection practices.

 

(Bangkok) – The Cambodian government is failing to provide support to hundreds of thousands of migrant workers with microfinance debts who returned from Thailand because of hostilities in mid-2025, Human Rights Watch said today.

Even before the border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, from July 24-28, Cambodian officials encouraged migrant workers in Thailand to return home because of rising tensions, and more than 900,000 have done so. The government’s promises of jobs and other support have not materialized for most though, and many are under pressure to repay microfinance loans they took before seeking work in Thailand. The government should assist returned migrant workers to find jobs in Cambodia and adopt measures to provide meaningful debt relief to them and other Cambodians.

“The Cambodian government has an obligation to assist the migrant workers its officials encouraged to return from Thailand because of discrimination and recent hostilities,” said Bryony Lau, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “The government should ensure that predatory microfinance institutions are not putting improper pressure on returned migrants and other marginalized Cambodians who are struggling to feed their families.”

វែកញែកអាយុកាលប្រាសាទតាមាន់ធំ តាមាន់តូច ជាមួយប្រទេសថៃ

Death toll climbs, thousands forced to leave homes as severe floods hit ...

មហាទឹកជំនន់នៅថៃ 300ឆ្នាំ កើតម្តង [26-11-2025]

Thailand is Sinking Today! Extreme Giant Flooding Swept Away Many Homes ...

Cambodia’s Wildest Corners | FULL DOCUMENTARY | Destination Wild: Indoch...

Cambodia Has Another Maritime Border Problem - With Vietnam

  

Another Cambodian maritime border issue - the planned Hà Tiên to Phú Qu?c causeway impeding access to the Funan Techno Canal linking to the Mekong (Google Earth/LandSat/CJRC) Another Cambodian maritime border issue - the planned Hà Tiên to Phú Qu?c causeway impeding access to the Funan Techno Canal linking to the Mekong (Google Earth/LandSat/CJRC)

Published Nov 23, 2025 2:13 PM by The Maritime Executive

 

Cambodia has another maritime border issue.

Tensions are rising between Thailand and Cambodia, the inheritance of a poorly drawn map dating back to French colonial times. This issue affects Cambodia in the Khong Yai area, where a coastal strip of Thai territory approximately 30 miles long, but in many places less than a mile in width, prevents Cambodia access to the sea. In the border war this summer, Thai marines, with naval gunfire support, repelled an attempt by Cambodia to seize access to the sea across this narrow strip of land.

But further to the South and on her border with Vietnam, Cambodia faces a far more serious problem.

Cambodia, with Chinese finance supposedly restricted to 49%, is building the Funan Techno Canal, to link the Mekong River through Cambodia territory directly to the Gulf of Thailand near Port Sihanouk. This route for sea-going ships will mean that vessels will no longer need to pass through the mouth of the Mekong in Vietnamese territory before gaining access to the open seas. Vietnam benefits commercially from the current political geography, as Cambodia has to ship through Vietnamese territory and Ho Chi Minh City is effectively the entry port for Mekong river traffic into Cambodia. This business would fall away when the Funan Techno Canal opens.

The Vietnamese are also worried that water diverted from the Mekong into the Funan Techno Canal will lower water levels in the Mekong Delta, and hazard shipping channels.

Malaysia’s PM defends Thailand-Cambodia mediator role amid meddling complaints

Certain political factions in Thailand and Cambodia view his role as harmful to their vested interests, analysts say

 

 

Maria Siow
Published: 8:00am, 26 Nov 2025Updated: 9:44am, 26 Nov 2025



Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has insisted his country remains neutral as a mediator in the escalating border row between Thailand and Cambodia, as criticisms mount over his peacemaking role.

The backlash reflects how divisive the conflict has become, with some factions in Thailand and Cambodia viewing foreign-brokered truces as harmful to their interests. Analysts say Anwar is keen to avoid provoking such sensitivities, mindful of deep-seated distrust in Thai–Cambodian relations and Asean’s non-interference principle.

Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg on Saturday, Anwar said he had to “clear the air” following protests in Bangkok accusing Malaysia of meddling in Thailand’s sovereignty.

“Firstly, as neighbours, we are of course concerned [about the dispute], but we are not involved,” he said.

“We just facilitated to help them achieve a settlement or resolution to their conflict. We did not give them any specific prescription on how they should solve their problems,” Anwar said, adding that both countries considered Malaysia a “friend”.

ប្រវត្តិវិទូបារាំង និងថៃ និយាយពីថៃនិរទេសមករស់នៅលើដែនដីខ្មែរនិងយកអក្សរខ្មែរ

នាយករដ្ឋមន្ត្រីកម្ពុជាចេញមុខនិយាយរឿងក្រុមការងារវាស់វែងចំរុះកម្ពុជាថៃនិងថ...

How Japan Is Becoming China's Worst Nightmare

No ASEAN Report Confirms Mine Was Newly Planted, Cambodian Expert Says

 

 

— A Cambodian military expert has rejected claims by the Thai military that a landmine which detonated under Thai soldiers on Nov. 10 was newly planted, saying no official ASEAN report supports the allegation.

The expert said the Thai military’s statement — issued Nov. 24 and citing findings from the ASEAN Observer Team–Thailand (AOT-Th) — misrepresents the role of ASEAN observers and does not reflect the truth.

ASEAN observation reports must be jointly produced by observers based in both Cambodia and Thailand, the expert noted. A unilateral report from the Thai side alone cannot be considered valid. To date, ASEAN has issued no report verifying that the mine was newly planted.

Cambodia has repeatedly maintained that mines found along the Cambodia–Thailand border are remnants from decades of civil war and that its forces have never planted new mines in the area.

The expert also questioned the credibility of phone images circulated by Thai soldiers purporting to show newly planted mines, saying such photos are not strong evidence and could easily be fabricated. He stressed the need for a joint investigation to establish the facts before drawing conclusions.
---------------
By: In Sopheng 

កម្ពុជានឹងគ្រោះថ្នាក់ម្តងទៀត បើហ៊ានដើរចូលសមរភូមិនេះ || FROM BORDER TO GE...

Hun Sen Questions Silence of UN Rapporteur on Continued Detention of 18 Cambodian Soldiers by Thai Armed Forces

 

Khmer Circle: Conflict of interest?

 

^^^ 

 

 

Phnom Penh, 18 November 2025 — Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen on Monday raised serious concerns over the continued silence of Mr. Vitit Muntarbhorn, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia, regarding the prolonged detention of 18 Cambodian soldiers by Thai armed forces.

 

Speaking at the 33rd National Assembly of Monastic Officials, Samdech Techo Hun Sen questioned why the UN Rapporteur—who is himself a Thai national—has issued no public statement on a matter involving serious human rights implications and a potential breach of international law.

 

“Muntarbhorn, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia and a Thai national—where has he gone? Why hasn’t he said a word?” he asked, underscoring the urgency and gravity of the situation.

 

According to Samdech Techo Hun Sen, the Cambodian soldiers were captured after the ceasefire earlier this month in an area along the disputed border. He stressed that these servicemen were not prisoners of war, but rather Cambodian soldiers illegally arrested on Cambodian territory, in violation of international legal norms and humanitarian principles.

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim firmly rejected accusations of interfering in the Thailand–Cambodia border dispute

 

Responding to criticism from Thailand, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim firmly rejected accusations of interfering in the Thailand–Cambodia border dispute during the G20 Summit. He emphasized that Malaysia has maintained a strictly neutral role, focused solely on facilitating dialogue between the two nations.

Anwar’s remarks in South Africa, came shortly after protesters gathered outside the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok over the weekend, accusing him of overstepping his previous role as ASEAN Chair and meddling in Thailand’s efforts to safeguard its sovereignty. Demonstrators waved Thai flags and held banners along Sathon Road before marching toward the U.S. Embassy in Pathum Wan, prompting officials to issue a security advisory.

On Cambodia’s side, the government has expressed deep gratitude to both Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and U.S. President Donald Trump for their roles in helping secure the peace along the border. Cambodian officials praised their leadership for preventing further loss of life and destruction along the border. Cambodia has even nominated President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his contribution to facilitating the ceasefire.

Author: PanhaCHEZDA

Quote, unquote ...

 

 

បទសម្ភាសន៍លោក សម រង្ស៊ី ជាមួយទូរទស្សន៍អាស៊ីសេរី ថ្ងៃ២១ ខែវិច្ឆិកា ឆ្នាំ២០២៥

Did Thailand commit a war crime according to the ICC?

 

 

On 12 November 2025, Thai soldiers reportedly opened fire on Cambodian civilians in Prey Chan village, killing one and injuring several more. For any country, such an incident would be alarming. But for Thailand, a signatory to the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord barely two weeks earlier, this act raises even deeper concerns—not only about military conduct, but about the integrity of its commitments to regional peace.

Under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), intentionally targeting civilians is not a grey area; it is a war crime. Article 8(2)(b)(i) explicitly classifies as criminal “intentionally directing attacks against the civilian population as such or against individual civilians not taking direct part in hostilities.” The Cambodian villagers in Prey Chan were neither armed nor involved in any form of hostilities. They were simply caught in their own homes, in their own village.

To make matters even clearer, Cambodian troops stationed in the area had reportedly laid down their weapons as part of the post-ceasefire conditions. In such circumstances, Thailand’s claim of self-defense becomes not only implausible but untenable. When civilians are present, and the opposing military is unarmed, the act cannot be dismissed as a battlefield mistake.

Yet the political betrayal may be even more damaging than the legal one.

Thailand seeks US help to press Cambodia on peace deal

 

Khmer Circle: 

 

Playing victims? Is it a coincidence that Thai soldiers allegedly stepped on land mines days after the peace pact was signed in Kuala Lumpur and just before the 18 captured Cambodian soldiers were due to be 'released'? The mine fields in question are some of the most heavily mined areas in the world, dating back to the war in the 1980s when Bangkok was happy enough to give its tacit support to the Khmer Rouge who planted the mines and controlled this region as a buffer against Vietnamese invasion and intrusion on to Thai territory. Even if Phnom Penh is determined to clear all the mines laid in the areas it could take months or even years to do so successfully and completely, let alone in a few days!  

Moreover, Thailand possesses all the modern technology and equipments needed to clear these mines yet still sending its soldiers into the areas that are still in dispute between the two countries then complain of Cambodia's 'failure' to observe the terms of the peace agreement when its soldiers are injured by the mines!

No matter how unscrupulous Hun Sen is, he cannot afford to engage in a prolonged and protracted confrontation with an enemy who is not of his size and means, and the Thais are fully aware of that notwithstanding their frequent attempts at provoking him into such a conflict by encroaching on Cambodian territory, injuring and killing innocent Cambodian civilians living along the border!   

   

^^^    

 

 

 

Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura has reiterated that security issues between Thailand and Cambodia should be kept separate from trade negotiations between Thailand and the US. 

 

 

Thailand has urged the United States to help pressure Cambodia to comply with the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord signed on Oct 26 on the sidelines of the Asean Summit in Malaysia.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said on Wednesday that following a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and US President Donald Trump on Nov 14, Mr Anutin sent another letter dated Nov 18 expressing concern over Cambodia's alleged violations of the accord. He urged Cambodia not to obstruct Thailand's demining operations.

While calling on Cambodia to honour the Peace Accord, Mr Nikorndej reiterated Thailand's position that security issues between the two countries should be kept separate from trade negotiations between Thailand and the US. However, he said that although the issues should not be formally linked, Thailand would still like Washington to encourage Cambodia to follow the agreement.

In a related development, the House committee studying the possible cancellation of the 2000 and 2001 memoranda of understanding (MoUs 43–44) between Thailand and Cambodia on boundary demarcation is seeking a 30-day extension to complete its work, citing insufficient time to gather all documents.

Saritpong Kiewkong, a Bhumjaithai Party MP for Krabi and committee chairman, said the panel's mandate ends on Dec 3.


Bangkok Post

US stance on Cambodia a betrayal

 

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul inspects PMN-2 mines recovered from the field during a briefing on border security at the 11th Infantry Battalion headquarters at Phu Makua, Kantharalak district, Si Sa Ket, on Nov 11. GOVERNMENT HOUSE 

 

PUBLISHED : 17 Nov 2025 at 01:01

WRITER: Veera Prateepchaikul

Bangkok Post 

There is an ancient proverb which says: "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." If so, what if my friend is a friend of my enemy? Can he still be trusted as my friend, or has he turned into an enemy?

These disturbing questions emerged in my mind when the administration of US President Donald Trump suspended tariff talks with Thailand until Thailand agrees to revive the Joint Declaration with Cambodia, signed in Kuala Lumpur and witnessed by Mr Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Oct 26.

In an emotional outburst following a landmine explosion near the common border in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket, in which four Thai soldiers were injured, including one who had his leg blown off, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Nov 12 announced a "tearing down" -- a suspension -- of the Joint Declaration.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry then made three demands to Cambodia: An apology for the violent incident, an investigation into the incident with legal action against the perpetrators and assurance that similar incidents won't happen again.

Thailand–Cambodia border agreement on shaky ground

 

 

 

Published: 19 November 2025


    Ryan Claffey
    Center for a New American Security


In Brief

Thailand–Cambodia relations face renewed uncertainty as just two weeks after signing the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord, Thailand has approved a temporary suspension of the deal. Preventing further conflict will require sustained political resolve from both sides, reinforced by solid bilateral and multilateral mechanisms and genuine regional ownership. Complementing these domestic and regional incentives, sustained external pressure, economic engagement and humanitarian support will further ensure that the fragile detente can mature into a lasting peace.


On 26 October 2025, US President Donald Trump presided over Cambodia and Thailand’s signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord — a joint declaration expanding the 28 July ceasefire, which halted the bloodiest Thailand–Cambodia border conflict in over a decade. Yet on 11 November, the Thai National Security Council approved a temporary suspension of the accord, suggesting that a more permanent peace will require more than just a tariff-enabled truce.

Tensions first flared in the Preah Vihear temple area on 28 May. Ambiguous border demarcations dating back to 1904 and 1907 French colonial-era treaties have kept adjacent territories — and several temple sites — contested. After two months of unsuccessful attempts by Malaysia and subtle nudging from China to defuse the crisis, on 24 July the simmering dispute escalated into armed clashes across several areas along the frontier, including around the Ta Muen Thom temple.

តើហេតុអ្វីសៀមចង់បានអង្គរវត្តខ្មែរខ្លាំងម៉្លេះ? | Angkor War

Update ព័ត៌មានកំពុងផ្ទុះនៅប្រទេសថៃថ្ងៃនេះ [18-11-2025]

Cambodia Strongly Condemns Brutal Assault and Sexual Violence by Thai Soldiers Against Returning Cambodian Migrant Workers

 

Asian Speech

 

 

Cambodia Strongly Condemns Brutal Assault and Sexual Violence by Thai Soldiers Against Returning Cambodian Migrant Workers

 

Phnom Penh, 18 November 2025 — The Royal Government of Cambodia, through the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT), has issued a powerful and urgent condemnation of the inhumane brutality and sexual violence committed by Thai soldiers in black uniform against 13 Cambodian migrant workers returning home.

 

According to the Ministry, the Cambodian workers were violently attacked on 15 November 2025 in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, adjacent to Kamrieng District of Battambang Province. The incident took place while the workers were attempting to return to Cambodia at a time when Thailand had unilaterally closed the Cambodia–Thailand land border crossing.

 

Thai PM to send letter to Trump, reaffirming suspension of Cambodia pact

 

 

• The prime minister will send an official letter to US President Donald Trump to reaffirm Thailand’s stance on suspending the Joint Declaration with Cambodia.
• The suspension followed Cambodia’s violation of the agreement, particularly the laying of new landmines along the border.
• The letter will focus solely on Thai–Cambodian border security and will not address trade negotiations with the United States.

On November 17, 2025, at Government House, Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information and Foreign Ministry spokesperson, briefed the media on the Thai–Cambodian border situation and Thailand’s international trade consultations, joined by representatives from the armed forces and the Commerce Ministry.

He announced that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as interior minister, is preparing an official letter to US President Donald Trump to reiterate Thailand’s position on the temporary suspension of the Joint Declaration with Cambodia.

Nikorndej said the letter follows earlier phone discussions between the two leaders.

“The prime minister will send a formal letter to President Trump to reaffirm Thailand’s position and underline the importance of Cambodia returning to full compliance with the Joint Declaration — especially regarding mine-clearance obligations. Evidence clearly shows Cambodia laid new landmines and must take responsibility. The future of the Joint Declaration now depends on Cambodia’s actions,” he said.
 

 

លោក ហ៊ុន សែន ទទួលស្គាល់ថា កម្ពុជាធ្វេសប្រហែសដែលមិនបានបំពាក់អាវក្រោះឱ្យកងទ័ព

កម្ពុជាគួរមានជំហរបែបណានៅពេលចិនចាត់ទុកទំនាក់ទំនងចិន-ថៃ ស្និទ្ធដូចគ្រួសារត...

Thailand says US trade talks to proceed despite Cambodia dispute

 

By Reuters
November 15, 20252:56 PM GMTUpdated 8 hours ago
ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat

  

Thai foreign ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura speaks during an interview in Langkawi, Malaysia January 18, 2025. REUTERS/Hasnoor Hussain Purchase Licensing Rights

 

BANGKOK, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Thailand will go ahead with talks on finalising a reciprocal trade deal with the United States, a government spokesperson said on Saturday, adding the discussions will remain separate from issues relating to its border dispute with Cambodia.

Bangkok had earlier on Saturday said that Washington was suspending negotiations until the Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal with Cambodia.

However, the temporary suspension occurred before a call between Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and U.S. President Donald Trump late on Friday, Thai government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat said in a statement.

"Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues," Siripong said, adding that Trump had told Anutin that the U.S. did not wish to interfere in the Thailand–Cambodia issue under the existing bilateral mechanisms.

 

Trump says he ‘stopped a war’ by preserving a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand

 

President Donald Trump speaks before signing the funding bill to reopen the government, in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) 

WILL WEISSERT and CHRIS MEGERIAN
Updated 2:02 AM GMT, November 15, 2025


WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday that he had successfully eased hostilities between Cambodia and Thailand, saying that he’d been able to preserve a previous, U.S.-brokered ceasefire that had appeared to be breaking down.

“I stopped a war just today,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he flew to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida for the weekend. He said his actions were made possible by his willingness to impose steep tariffs on countries around the world, which he has argued gives the U.S. great leverage on trade and diplomatic leverage.

The president said he’d spoken to the prime ministers of both countries by phone and now, “They’re doing great. They were not doing great.”

He said the conversations left him believing, “I think they’re going to be fine.”

Territorial disputes over exactly where the border lies between the Southeast Asian neighbors led to five days of armed conflict in late July that killed dozens of soldiers and civilians.