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.

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Meanwhile, the Thai Constitutional Court ousted Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest one ever, after just one year in office for alleged ethical violations that arose from a leaked phone conversation between Shinawatra and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. In the phone call, the two spoke of the recent border dispute, with Shinawatra ridiculing a Thai army general in charge of the border.

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This was the fifth time in 17 years the powerful Constitutional Court – which is an unelected body of nine judges – has removed a Prime Minster (Srettha Thavisin was banished just 12 months before Shinawatra was). Anutin Charnvirakul, the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, was elected by Parliament on September 5, 2025. Better luck to him!