Thailand and Cambodia have engaged in urgent diplomatic efforts to address escalating tensions along their shared border, following an invitation from Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia and current ASEAN Chair. An urgent meeting was convened in Malaysia on Monday, July 28, with acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai leading the Thai delegation and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet heading his country's representatives. Key discussion topics centered on exploring pathways to restore peace while firmly affirming Thailand’s unwavering stance on defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Thai government explicitly dismissed claims that it would accept Cambodia’s use of the 1:200,000 map for negotiations, reiterating its strict adherence to the 1:50,000 map, and cautioned against spreading misinformation during a period of external threats.

Subsequent to these high-level discussions, progress was reported in the ongoing General Border Committee (GBC) talks between Thailand and Cambodia. On Wednesday, August 6, Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, spokesperson for the Ad Hoc Centre for the Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation, announced that a secretary-level agreement had been reached, though it awaited final approval from the National Security Council (NSC) and a special Cabinet meeting. Once approved, the Thai Chairman was scheduled to travel to Malaysia for the final GBC meeting on August 7. Surasant stressed that while this was an important step, it was not the final agreement.

Regarding the overall border situation, authorities assured the public that it remained normal, with military fortifications enhanced in some areas but no increase in troop deployment. An incident near the Chong An Ma area, where Cambodian soldiers were reported to have cut barbed wire along the Thai border, was resolved through negotiations, with both sides agreeing to the status quo and Thailand replacing the damaged wire. Thailand continues to enforce strict border control, apprehending illegal immigrants and coordinating with security agencies for deportations. Additionally, a nationwide drone ban was extended until August 15, 2025, with agricultural drones exempted during specific daylight hours if registered.

In a demonstration of transparency and adherence to humanitarian principles, Thailand facilitated a visit by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on August 5 to meet with 18 Cambodian soldiers detained in Thailand. This initiative aimed to clarify facts and prevent misunderstandings in the international community, especially amidst increased fake news and defamation from Cambodia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through Deputy Spokesperson Maratee Nalita Andamo, emphasized Thailand’s proactive efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully and return to negotiations with sincerity and good faith, stressing the importance of maintaining a positive atmosphere for GBC meetings to pave the way for ministerial-level discussions.

Further international scrutiny and observation of the border situation were initiated with the Royal Thai Army (RTA) leading the ASEAN Interim Observation Team (IOT) from Monday to Wednesday to monitor alleged breaches of international law and ceasefire conditions by Cambodian troops. These missions followed earlier visits by ASEAN envoys and representatives from countries that ratified the Ottawa Convention (banning landmines) to Si Sa Ket province. During their visit, envoys witnessed evidence of anti-personnel mines allegedly laid by Cambodian troops and spoke directly with affected residents. Simultaneously, the ICRC, in coordination with Thai ministries, assessed the humanitarian impact of cross-border attacks on civilians in Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. The ICRC gathered facts, interviewed affected civilians, and will compile a confidential report for submission directly to both Thailand and Cambodia, reinforcing Thailand’s commitment to humanitarian protection mechanisms.