Thailand Sets Three Conditions for Ceasefire as Border Fighting With Cambodia Continues

Thailand has laid out three conditions that Cambodia must meet before any meaningful ceasefire talks can begin, placing the responsibility for de-escalation squarely on Phnom Penh as clashes continue along the two countries’ disputed border.

Bangkok says Cambodia must publicly declare an end to hostilities, demonstrate a verifiable commitment to peace, and agree to cooperate on joint demining operations in contested border areas. Thai officials argue that without these steps, dialogue would lack the trust necessary to produce lasting results.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said Thailand remains open to negotiations but stressed that talks cannot proceed without what he described as “genuine commitment and mutual understanding” from both sides.

“Peace negotiations require trust, and trust must be built on actions, not words,” Nikorndej said.

According to the Thai government, Cambodia must first make an explicit and public declaration of a ceasefire. The second condition, Nikorndej said, is evidence of sincere and verifiable steps toward peace. The third involves cooperation with Thailand on joint demining efforts along the border, an issue Bangkok considers critical to civilian safety and long-term stability.

“We have learnt from experience that Cambodia’s commitments and actions have not always aligned,” he added.

Thailand also called on Cambodian forces to immediately halt all attacks against civilians and to comply fully with international humanitarian law. Bangkok urged Phnom Penh to take responsibility for civilian harm resulting from the fighting, which has intensified in recent weeks.

Despite the conditions, Nikorndej reiterated that Thailand does not rule out dialogue, emphasizing that Bangkok remains committed to a peaceful resolution once confidence-building measures are in place.

Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Disproportionate Force

Cambodia has rejected Thailand’s narrative, accusing Bangkok of escalating the conflict through what it described as excessive and unlawful use of military force.

In a statement released the same day, Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation condemned what it called Thailand’s “armed aggression,” specifically citing the use of F-16 fighter jets in airstrikes along the Cambodia–Thailand border.

The ministry said the strikes violated Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and breached international legal frameworks, including the United Nations Charter and the ASEAN Charter.

“The deployment of combat aircraft within Cambodia’s territory constitutes a manifestly disproportionate and unjustified use of force,” the statement said.

Cambodian officials alleged that Thai air operations penetrated between 80 and 90 kilometres into Cambodian territory, resulting in civilian deaths, the displacement of more than 400,000 people, and widespread destruction of infrastructure.

The statement also claimed that cultural landmarks had been damaged, including UNESCO-listed sites such as the Preah Vihear Temple, raising concerns about violations of international protections for cultural heritage.

“These attacks constitute grave breaches of international humanitarian law and the protections afforded to civilians and cultural property,” the ministry said.

Phnom Penh demanded an immediate halt to what it described as Thai aggression, calling for both sides to return to peaceful means of resolving disputes in line with international law and principles of good neighbourliness.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation calls on the Thai military to immediately cease all aerial bombardment and any military operations that place civilians at risk,” the statement added.

Regional Concern Grows

The sharp exchange underscores the deepening rift between the two Southeast Asian neighbours, with both governments trading accusations over who initiated the violence and who bears responsibility for its humanitarian consequences.

So far, there has been no clear signal that either side is prepared to agree to a ceasefire, despite growing concern from regional and international actors. ASEAN members and other partners have urged restraint, warning that further escalation could destabilize the region.

China has also weighed in, calling on both Cambodia and Thailand to exercise the utmost restraint and to take steps conducive to an immediate ceasefire.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing was deeply saddened by the casualties caused by the conflict and stressed that ending the fighting should be the top priority for both governments.

“As two eternal neighbours by dint of geography, Cambodia and Thailand should put an end to the conflict and protect their peoples,” Guo said.

China, which maintains close ties with both countries, has been in continuous communication with Bangkok and Phnom Penh through multiple channels, Guo added.

“China is making and will continue to make every effort to promote peace talks, to play a constructive role in securing a ceasefire and the end of the conflict, and to help restore peace in our own way,” he said.

Uncertain Path to De-escalation

Despite diplomatic pressure, prospects for de-escalation remain uncertain. Thailand insists that concrete actions must precede talks, while Cambodia maintains that Thai military operations are the primary obstacle to peace.

With fighting ongoing and humanitarian concerns mounting, observers warn that without a ceasefire framework acceptable to both sides, the risk of further escalation remains high.

For now, the border conflict continues to test regional diplomacy, international law, and the fragile balance between security and sovereignty in Southeast Asia.