Cambodia–Thailand: Winning the Peace, Not Just the War

In a region long haunted by barbed wire borders and buried landmines, the recent thaw between Cambodia and Thailand is more than a diplomatic win—it’s a generational pivot toward peace, prosperity, and shared memory.

The September 2025 General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Koh Kong marked a turning point. Both sides agreed to remove heavy weapons, jointly clear landmines, and review disputed maps and village boundaries, including sensitive temple zones like Ta Muen Thom and Chong Bok. 

This wasn’t just a ceasefire—it was a blueprint for coexistence. And, in all sincerity, both nations pleased to draw the war to an end as quickly as possible.

The Thai army somewhat obstructive in ploughing its own path from GBC and parliament in setting vague if not impossible terms for Cambodia to end the war (beyond the truce and GBC) before returning the last 18 POWs, nor setting in place more barbed wire fences nor ending fighting over the temples. And opening the border gates and trade.

From Conflict to Cooperation

The BBC reported that over 5,000 Cambodians were displaced earlier this year due to border skirmishes and landmine incidents. Thai soldiers suffered casualties too, with multiple amputations from mines laid in disputed zones by Cambodia breaching the Ottawa Treaty. And the Thai military facing questions over cluster munitions. While Cambodia facing inquiry over random rocket artillery launches. 

Yet, despite the pain, Thailand’s new leadership under Anutin Charnvirakul has steered the country toward a measured peace in the last week, refusing to cede territory but committing to dialogue.

Cambodia, under Hun Manet, has reciprocated with calls for a “zone of peace, cooperation, and development.” The GBC meeting reaffirmed this vision, with both sides pledging to demilitarize and discuss contested areas, restore trust, and reopen crossings for trade and tourism.

Temples, Dance, and Language: A Shared Legacy

Before the 1941 Franco-Thai war redrew borders, the cultural tapestry of the region was seamless. Angkor Wat, though Cambodian, echoes architectural motifs found in Thai temples. The Khmer language influenced Thai court rituals, and classical Apsara dance shares DNA with Thai Lakhon.

Reopening borders isn’t just about economics—it’s about reuniting cultural cousins. A proposed “Schengen-style zone” would allow visa-free movement between Cambodia and Thailand, enabling pilgrims, students, and families to reconnect across ancient fault lines.

Joint Schools and Hospitals: Building Trust on the Ground

Plans are underway to build joint schools and hospitals in border provinces. These institutions will serve both Thai and Cambodian communities, fostering bilingual education and cross-border healthcare. It’s a quiet revolution—where children learn together and patients heal side by side.

Such efforts mirror post-war models in Europe, where shared infrastructure helped former enemies become allies. In Southeast Asia, this could be the antidote to dynastic stagnation and elite impunity.

Malaria and Mines: Fixing the Forgotten Killers

Beyond bullets and barbed wire, malaria and landmines remain the deadliest threats along the border. Cambodia has nearly eliminated malaria with zero deaths, while Thailand still battles forest strains in border zones and 5 deaths. A joint malaria elimination corridor, plus a Dengue variant backed by ASEAN and the Global Fund, could save thousands of lives and productive days annually. As could Rabies programs.

Landmine clearance is equally urgent. Six Thai soldiers lost limbs this year alone. The GBC agreement includes humanitarian demining, with shared teams and international oversight. It’s a moral imperative—and a practical one for reopening trade routes. Technology such as ground LIDAR and UXO robots are a game changer in ease and speed - and build a Demining Industry relevant for Africa and Ukraine.

Scam Centres and Pseudo Elections: The Myanmar Factor

Along the Cambodia–Myanmar border, scam centres have flourished, exploiting displaced workers and fuelling transnational crime. These hubs often operate under the protection of corrupt officials and warlords, undermining regional stability.

Meanwhile, Myanmar’s pseudo-elections and the declining health of Aung San Suu Kyi cast a long shadow. The junta’s grip threatens to spill instability into neighbouring states, including Thailand and Cambodia.

ASEAN’s response has been tepid—but Malaysia’s robust leadership offers hope. A coordinated crackdown on scam centres and a unified stance on Myanmar could restore ASEAN’s credibility.

Dynasties and Nepotism: A Regional Warning

While Cambodia and Thailand inch toward peace, other parts of Asia are boiling. Nepotism-fuelled unrest in Bangladesh, Nepal, and even Indonesia and the Philippines, plus Sri Lanka previously has triggered youth-led riots and democratic backsliding.

These are cautionary tales for Phnom Penh and Bangkok. If dynastic politics continue to dominate, the peace won’t last. Real reform—rooted in transparency, meritocracy, and youth empowerment—is the only sustainable path.

Cambodia hobbled by the dynastic communism of North Korea and Thailand mired in dynastic nepo-corruption as Philippines or Nepal.

Toward a New ASEAN Compact

The Cambodia–Thailand détente could be the seed of a new ASEAN compact—one that prioritizes people over power, culture over conflict, and cooperation over competition.

ASEAN gaps on ICC membership, Ottawa landmines Treaty, Cluster Munitions simple 21C areas of dispute to resolve. Even consistency on Torture, LGBT rights, Coups and Political prisoners/dissidents.

Imagine a Southeast Asia where temples are shared, borders are open, and children grow up learning both Khmer and Thai. Where malaria is eradicated, mines are cleared, and scam centres are shut down. Where elections are real, not rituals.

That future isn’t utopian—it’s overdue.