A long-term border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand escalated in July 2025, when the border between these Theravada Buddhist neighbors in Southeast Asia was partially closed – and crossing times restricted – after shots were fired, government websites were hacked, and threats were made by the Thai government to cut electricity in response to what they see as a military buildup by Cambodia (the contested area is called Mom Bei – which Thailand calls Chong Bok – in the Emerald Triangle where the borders of Cambodia, Thailand and Laos meet).

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After five days of conflict that killed at least 38 people and displaced hundreds of thousands more, senior commanders from both sides agreed to a cease-fire that was brokered by President Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

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In October 2025, Cambodia and Thailand signed what they called a “joint declaration” – as opposed to a “peace deal” – but the declaration offered little in terms of details. That said, one significant commitment from both sides is that they will withdraw heavy weapons from the border.