SURIN, May 30 (TNA) – The Royal Thai Army (RTA) announced a significant de-escalation of border tensions with Cambodia, confirming troops from both nations have withdrawn from the Chong Bok flashpoint.
This follows high-level negotiations between Thai and Cambodian army commanders on Thursday at a permanent border checkpoint in Surin province. A four-point RTA statement detailed the agreement for peaceful resolution.
The Thai army chief expressed condolences for the loss of personnel from the recent clash and stressed dialogue and negotiation. Thailand affirmed no violation of Cambodian sovereignty.
The Joint Boundary Committee (JBC), a government-level mechanism, will address the Chong Bok dispute, with a resolution expected in two weeks. Troops involved in the clash will withdraw from the flashpoint, significantly de-escalating the situation. The Regional Border Committee (RBC) will also clarify misunderstandings and bolster the JBC.
Both commanders committed to strict troop adherence to the negotiation terms, with Cambodia vowing immediate transfer for any violating personnel. The meeting concluded cordially, confirming troop withdrawals to original bases pending JBC results. The RTA will closely monitor the border to maintain peace.
The RTA advised the public to exercise discretion with news and rely on government and established media.
Separately, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra expressed optimism about the Chong Bok resolution, citing strong relationships between senior officials and military leaders.
He described the incident as a skirmish involving low-ranking soldiers in a disputed, un-demarcated border area, governed by a “no man’s land” protocol to prevent conflict.
Thaksin confirmed regular communication with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen and urged against escalating tensions, reaffirming all forces have now been withdrawn. -819(TNA)
