Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn (left), his Thai counterpart Sihasak Phuangketkeow (right) and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Monday, December 29, 2025, in China’s Yunnan province.Image: keystone
December 29, 2025, 3:50 p.mDecember 29, 2025, 3:50 p.m
Thailand and Cambodia want to continue working towards easing their conflict after talks in China.
China’s state news agency Xinhua reported, citing a joint statement after the meeting of foreign ministers from the three countries, that it was agreed that Thailand and Cambodia would further strengthen communication and deepen mutual understanding.
In addition, the existing ceasefire should be gradually consolidated, mutual contacts resumed and political trust rebuilt. China therefore agreed to continue supporting this process. The ceasefire, however, is proving to be extremely fragile: Thailand’s army announced shortly after the meeting that 250 drones from Cambodia had flown across the border into Thailand.
Provocation or minor incident?
“This action constitutes a provocation and a violation of tension reduction measures,” said army spokesman Winthai Suvaree, adding that Cambodia was continuing its hostilities against Thailand, endangering the safety of military personnel and people along the border.
A Thai resident cooks in a makeshift shelter as the Thai military fires artillery fire toward Cambodia, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Surin province, Thailand.Image: keystone
The originally planned release of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war must be reconsidered, it said. Cambodia’s Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, however, spoke of a “minor incident” regarding the drones.
Weeks of fighting ended with a ceasefire
Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate ceasefire on Saturday after weeks of fighting along their shared border. The ceasefire should initially be monitored for 72 hours to ensure its implementation. According to official figures, more than 100 people were killed in the fighting and hundreds of thousands were forced to flee on both sides of the border. The background to the hostilities is a decades-long dispute over territorial claims.
“I would like to confirm that Thailand remains peaceful and is ready to welcome tourists from around the world during the New Year Festival 2026.”
Air Chief Marshal Prapas Sornchaidee
Director, Joint Press Center
on the Thailand–Cambodia Border Situation
28 December 2025 pic.twitter.com/OqOYfsingQ— PR Thai Government (@prdthailand) December 29, 2025
Thailand is peaceful and wants to welcome tourists over the holidays.
According to a message on the short message service The allegations regarding Cambodian drones are now calling this into question again.
“If the violations of the agreement and national sovereignty continue, the army must fulfill its duty and protect national interests,” said army spokesman Winthai. (sda/dpa/val)