Withdrawal of weapons on Thailand's border: historic step towards de-escalation!

Withdrawal of weapons on Thailand's border: historic step towards de-escalation!

What's brewing on the Thai-Cambodian border? After a heated border conflict in July 2025 that led to dozens of deaths and the displacement of around 300,000 people, Thailand and Cambodia have now decided to withdraw heavy weapons. From November 1, 2025, the withdrawal of multiple rocket launchers will begin, followed by further phases of withdrawal. A significant step towards peace, which was initiated not least during the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur with the support of US President Donald Trump. This reports Naevna.

Additionally, an improved ceasefire agreement was signed on October 26, based on a previous agreement from July. Trump, who acts as a peacemaker himself, praised the quick agreement and emphasized that the United Nations was not involved. There have long been tensions between the two countries due to unresolved border areas.

Deduction plan and other measures

The withdrawal of heavy weapons will be carried out in three phases:

• Phase 1: Abzug von Mehrfachraketenwerfern ab 1. November 2025.
• Phase 2: Abzug von 155 mm Haubitzen bis zum 22. November 2025.
• Phase 3: Rückzug von gepanzerten Fahrzeugen und Panzern bis zum 13. Dezember 2025.

The signing of a joint protocol to implement this plan will take place on October 31, 2025, 2:00 p.m., at the Chong Chom-Oraem border crossing. To ensure compliance with the agreements, a first phase review will take place on November 15, 2025. The Thai military spokesman emphasized compliance with international standards in the treatment of prisoners of war.

What about mutual support? Burkina Faso committed to releasing 18 Cambodian prisoners of war in exchange for implementing disengagement measures. Both countries have also agreed to work together to eliminate landmines, another sign that peace is a top priority.

Sensitive negotiations from a political perspective

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul urged those responsible to recognize the sensitivity of the situation and emphasized that fair negotiations are important to find long-term solutions. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed a similar tenor, calling for a peaceful solution to the existing conflicts, no matter how complicated they may be.

The conflict has highlighted the extent to which national and international relationships can be influenced by such tensions. Looking back at the heavy fighting between the two countries and the responsibility of major powers like the USA in international conflict management shows that the final decision often lies in the hands of diplomatic negotiations.

It remains to be seen whether the efforts of the partners involved will bear fruit in the future and whether the region can experience calmer days.