Cambodian-Thai diplomats met in Brunei to restore trust and discuss maritime disputes following recent deadly border conflicts.
PHNOM PENH
Top diplomats from Cambodia and Thailand met in Brunei this week to navigate a delicate path toward peace following recent military conflict.
Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and his Thai counterpart, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, held “candid discussions” on the sidelines of an international summit to restore trust between the two nations.
The high-level talks come at a critical time. Only months ago, in December 2025, the two neighbors agreed to a ceasefire after three weeks of border fighting resulted in casualties on both sides. Sokhonn emphasized that lasting stability requires a “genuine commitment” to international law and the ASEAN Charter to ensure unity within the region.
However, a new diplomatic rift is opening over the sea. Cambodia expressed “deep regret” over reports that Thailand may unilaterally withdraw from a 2001 agreement regarding overlapping maritime claims. This agreement was designed to allow both countries to jointly explore energy resources in the Gulf of Thailand. Thai officials argued that the old deal has yielded no progress and suggest negotiating under newer United Nations maritime frameworks instead.
While the Thai cabinet still needs to finalize the decision to scrap the maritime deal, the Cambodian government remains firmly committed to the original spirit of cooperation. As both nations look to move past the shadows of recent violence, these discussions represent a vital effort to replace military confrontation with diplomatic dialogue. Both leaders agree that maintaining peace is essential for the economic prosperity of the entire Southeast Asian community.
