By 
Anna Pelizzari
Ron Lach/Pexels, March 26th, 2025
The dialogue between Defence Minister General Tea Seiha of Cambodia and his Thai counterpart Phumtham Wechayachai was postponed to April 2025 due to an urgent mission involving former President Hun Sen. The meeting intended to address growing tensions and human rights violations occurring at the border.
The anticipated dialogue between Cambodian Defence Minister General Tea Seiha and Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, initially scheduled for March 21st, 2025, has been postponed to April due to an urgent mission involving former Cambodian President Hun Sen. The meeting aimed to seek cooperation to de-escalate growing tensions along the Cambodia–Thailand border, particularly in light of recent military incidents and accusations of human rights violations. While both governments have reiterated their commitment to resolving disputes peacefully, the delay raises concerns about further instability in the region.
The Cambodia–Thailand border has long been a hotspot for military clashes and political frictions due to longstanding unresolved territorial claims. A recent conflict between Cambodian and Thai soldiers near the Ta Muen Thom Temple in February 2025 rekindled these tensions. The temple is located in a contested historical zone where boundary delimitation has not been completed and previous armed confrontations have occurred. This time, a group of Cambodian soldiers visited the temple and began singing the national anthem. In response, the Thai army sent a letter of complaint to Cambodia’s Military Region four over what it described as “inappropriate behaviour”.
Beyond the military confrontation, the situation raises serious human rights concerns. On November 25th, 2024, Thai authorities forcibly returned six Cambodian opposition activists and a young child seeking refuge across the border, placing them at risk of unfair trials and mistreatment in Cambodia. In this sense, the postponed talks go beyond military diplomacy and are a stepping stone to avoid further conflict and uphold human rights on the border.
With both governments facing scrutiny over their treatment of activists and minorities, the international community is urging transparency and accountability. The involvement of former President Hun Sen, a politically polarising figure, adds a layer of complexity to the delay. Once a new date is set, assuming no further delays occur, it is hoped that both parties will reach a cooperation agreement.
Sources and Further Readings:
Asia News Network. (2025, March 21). Cambodia postpones border talks with Thailand. Retrieved March 26, 2025, from https://asianews.network/cambodia-postpones-border-talks-with-thailand/.
The Diplomat. (2025, March 18). Cambodia willing to use force to defend sovereignty over temple, PM says. Retrieved March 26, 2025, from https://thediplomat.com/2025/03/cambodia-willing-to-use-force-to-defend-sovereignty-over-temple-pm-says/.
Human Rights Watch. (2024, November 29). Thailand: Cambodian Refugees Forcibly Returned. Retrieved March 26, 2025, from https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/11/29/thailand-cambodian-refugees-forcibly-returned.
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