Thai-Cambodian Military Easing Tensions, Withdrawal to Previous Agreement Positions from Confrontation Area

(Bangkok, 9th) After more than a week of standoff in the disputed Choam Phaok area, the armies of Thailand and Cambodia decided to withdraw to last year's positions after a meeting on Sunday (June 8). This move is expected to help ease tensions between the two countries.
 According to Thailand's "The Nation" and Cambodian online media Fresh News, Thai Army spokesman Winthai and the Cambodian Ministry of Defense have confirmed this news. Winthai said that on Sunday at 10 AM, the two armies held talks regarding the Thai-Cambodian border dispute in Choam Phaok area and agreed that the Cambodian army would withdraw from the area, with both armies returning to pre-2024 agreement designated positions.
 Winthai added that the Cambodian army agreed to withdraw 150 to 200 meters from the conflict area and fill in the trenches they had dug. The Thai military had claimed that these trenches had intruded 200 meters into Thai territory. Additionally, both armies will maintain weekly dialogues to ensure effective management of military interactions.
 Winthai stated that this move aims to "alleviate tensions and create a cooperative atmosphere."
 Thai and Cambodian troops engaged in a brief exchange of fire on May 28 in the border disputed Choam Phaok area, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier, causing ongoing tension at the border of the two countries.
 Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Prawit wrote in a Facebook statement that the Thai and Cambodian forces are striving to find ways to reduce conflicts and confrontations, significantly improving the situation in the region. He also thanked the Cambodian army for “negotiating in adherence to the principles of peace for the benefit of both peoples and helping steer the situation towards a positive resolution.”
 Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen noted in social media that Cambodia is adjusting its military presence in the disputed area to avoid large-scale violent conflicts. “Efforts to find solutions through dialogue have been initiated at all levels—from the government to frontline military commanders—and have started to bear fruit.”
 Thai Army Strengthens Control Over Thai-Cambodian Border Checkpoint Operating Times
The agreement was reached after the Thai military began strengthening controls over border checkpoint operations a day earlier. Starting Saturday (7th), the Thai military took over all Thai-Cambodian border checkpoints, with the authority to decide on checkpoint opening times and any necessary measures. The military then closed all checkpoints. Prawit announced on Saturday that “all other measures have been exhausted,” leading to the decision to close the checkpoints.

Cambodia's Consul General in Thailand's Sa Kaeo Province, Kim Sovanara, confirmed on Saturday that he received a related notification that morning. “They reported that Thai-Cambodian border posts and passages are temporarily closed from June 7, pending negotiations on the Thai-Cambodian land boundary disputes.”
The Thai Army told AFP that these restrictions only apply to citizens of the two countries, but specific implementations “may vary depending on location.” The military added that trade between the two countries remains unaffected, and Cambodian workers can still enter Thailand.
This decision has significantly impacted cross-border movement, raising concerns among local residents and merchants who rely on daily passage. Thai authorities have also banned Thais from going to Cambodia's Poipet city for gambling. Additionally, there are reports that Thailand plans to cut power and internet services in Cambodian border areas.
However, Cambodian media reported on Sunday that Thailand reopened some border checkpoints, opening only three days a week, with each day’s opening ranging from six to seven hours.