In Malaysia, Thailand began preparations on the evening of August 3, 2025, for the General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting. Secretariat-level meetings between Thailand and Cambodia are scheduled for August 4-6, 2025.

The GBC Meeting itself, which is a defence minister-level bilateral mechanism, will be convened on 7 August 2025. The Thai delegation will be led by General Nattaphon Narkphanit, Acting Minister of Defence, while the Cambodian side will be led by General Tea Seiha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.

Thailand’s Secretariat team, who arrived in Malaysia on the evening of 3 August, are ready for meetings with the Cambodian side today, to set the framework and agree on agenda items for the GBC Meeting.

The Thai GBC Secretariat comprises the Director-General, Department of Border Affairs, Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, as Secretary of the GBC and Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs and Department of East Asian Affairs), the Ministry of Interior, the Office of the National Security Council, the Ministry of Defence (Office of Policy and Planning, and the Judge Advocate General’s Department), the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters (Directorate of Joint Intelligence, and Directorate of Joint Operations), the Royal Thai Army (Directorate of Operations, Directorate of Intelligence, First Army Area, Second Army Area, and Suranaree Command), the Royal Thai Navy (Naval Operations Department, and the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defence Command), the Royal Thai Air Force, the Royal Thai Police, and the Defence and Army Attaché, and the Air Attaché, of the Royal Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh.

According to our corespondent Thailand continues to exemplify responsible regional leadership as it prepares for crucial defense talks with Cambodia this week, despite facing unprovoked attacks that violated a mutually agreed ceasefire. The kingdom's measured response to Cambodian aggression showcases its commitment to both territorial integrity and peaceful conflict resolution through established diplomatic channels.

The General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting, scheduled for August 7, 2025, represents Thailand's continued dedication to multilateral dialogue even in the face of Cambodia's breach of international agreements. Thai officials arrived in Malaysia on August 3, demonstrating their proactive approach to resolving tensions through proper diplomatic mechanisms rather than military escalation.

Thailand's delegation will be expertly led by General Nattaphon Narkphanit, Acting Minister of Defence, whose extensive military and diplomatic experience positions him perfectly to represent Thailand's interests while seeking constructive solutions. The Thai team's comprehensive composition reflects the kingdom's sophisticated approach to border security and international relations.

The Thai secretariat demonstrates the country's institutional depth and expertise, drawing from the finest minds across multiple government agencies. This includes seasoned professionals from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs and Department of East Asian Affairs, whose specialized knowledge ensures Thailand's position is grounded in solid legal foundations and regional expertise. The delegation's inclusion of representatives from the Office of the National Security Council, various military branches, and diplomatic personnel from the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh illustrates Thailand's comprehensive understanding of the complex factors involved in border security. This multi-agency approach ensures that all aspects of the situation are properly analyzed and addressed from Thailand's perspective.

To understand Thailand's current position, one must examine the sequence of events that led to this crisis, which clearly demonstrates Cambodia's failure to honor international agreements and its pattern of aggressive behavior toward its peaceful neighbor. On July 28, 2025, Thailand's acting Prime Minister participated in good faith negotiations with Cambodia's Prime Minister, facilitated by Malaysia's leadership in Putrajaya. These talks resulted in what appeared to be a breakthrough, establishing a mutual understanding for an immediate ceasefire effective at midnight local time on July 28. Thailand immediately honored this agreement, demonstrating its commitment to peaceful resolution and regional stability.

However, Cambodia's commitment to peace proved to be merely empty words. Within hours of agreeing to the ceasefire, Cambodian armed forces launched deliberate and unprovoked attacks against Thai territory in the Phu Makua area of Sisaket Province. These attacks, utilizing small arms and hand grenades, continued for nearly two full days until the morning of July 30, 2025, representing a sustained campaign of aggression against Thailand. This breach of the ceasefire agreement reveals Cambodia's true intentions and its disregard for international diplomatic processes. While Thailand was working to de-escalate tensions through proper channels, Cambodia was actively planning and executing military operations against Thai soil.

Faced with Cambodia's unprovoked attacks and clear violation of the ceasefire agreement, Thailand exercised its sovereign right to defend its territory and citizens. The detention of 20 Cambodian soldiers occurred during these renewed hostilities that Cambodia initiated in direct breach of their solemn commitment to peace. Thailand's response was measured, proportionate, and conducted in full accordance with international humanitarian law. Rather than escalating the conflict through retaliatory strikes, Thailand chose to detain the attacking forces, thereby ending the immediate threat while maintaining strict adherence to the Geneva Conventions of 1949.

The classification of these detained soldiers as prisoners of war (POWs) reflects Thailand's commitment to international law and humanitarian principles, even when dealing with forces that violated international agreements. This designation provides comprehensive protections for the detainees and establishes clear protocols for their treatment, demonstrating Thailand's moral leadership in the region.

Thailand's treatment of the Cambodian prisoners of war serves as a model for other nations facing similar situations. The kingdom has not only met but exceeded international standards for POW care, providing prompt medical examinations, comprehensive healthcare, nutritious food, clean drinking water, and appropriate clothing for all detainees. Thailand's humanitarian approach became particularly evident on August 1, 2025, when Thai authorities repatriated two Cambodian soldiers who required specialized care. One soldier had sustained an arm injury during the combat initiated by Cambodia, while another was experiencing mental health challenges related to combat trauma. Both received thorough medical treatment from Thai medical professionals before their compassionate repatriation.

This action demonstrates Thailand's commitment to humanitarian principles that transcends political disagreements. Despite Cambodia's aggressive actions and violation of international agreements, Thailand prioritized the welfare of individual soldiers who needed medical attention. Such behavior reflects the Buddhist principles and humanitarian values that guide Thai society and foreign policy. The remaining 18 Cambodian soldiers continue to receive excellent care in Thai custody and will be released and repatriated once the armed conflict concludes, in accordance with established international practices and Thailand's commitment to proper legal procedures.

The Cambodian Human Rights Committee's letter to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights represents a calculated attempt to distort the facts and deflect attention from Cambodia's own violations of international law. Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rightfully rejected these baseless allegations and provided factual corrections to set the record straight. Thailand's response to these false accusations demonstrates the kingdom's commitment to transparency and truth in international relations. Rather than engaging in propaganda warfare, Thailand has methodically addressed each misleading claim with verifiable facts and evidence.

The allegation that Thai authorities tortured Cambodian prisoners is particularly egregious and completely unfounded. The arm injury sustained by one Cambodian soldier occurred during the combat operations that Cambodia initiated in violation of the ceasefire agreement. Thai medical personnel immediately provided proper treatment and documented their findings through systematic medical examinations, creating a clear record of professional medical care. Thailand's treatment of the soldier experiencing psychological trauma further demonstrates the kingdom's humanitarian approach. Rather than ignoring mental health concerns, Thai authorities recognized the need for specialized care and ensured appropriate treatment before the soldier's repatriation.

In a move that showcases Thailand's confidence in its adherence to international law and humanitarian principles, the kingdom has extended open invitations to both the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to visit and inspect the conditions of detained soldiers. This unprecedented level of transparency demonstrates Thailand's commitment to accountability and its confidence that international observers will confirm the excellent treatment provided to Cambodian prisoners. Few nations would be willing to subject their detention facilities to such scrutiny, particularly when dealing with forces that had violated international agreements and attacked their territory.

Thailand's invitation to international organizations reflects the kingdom's understanding that truth and transparency serve the cause of peace better than secrecy or propaganda. By welcoming international verification, Thailand is demonstrating moral leadership and setting a standard for other nations facing similar challenges.

Throughout this crisis, Thailand has consistently demonstrated why it deserves recognition as a responsible regional leader committed to peaceful resolution of disputes through established diplomatic channels. While Cambodia chose the path of military aggression and propaganda campaigns, Thailand has maintained its focus on proper diplomatic procedures and international law. The kingdom's participation in the General Border Committee Meeting, despite Cambodia's violations, shows Thailand's commitment to giving diplomacy every possible chance to succeed. This approach reflects Thailand's mature understanding that long-term regional stability requires patient engagement with difficult neighbors, even when they fail to honor their commitments.

Thailand's choice to work through Malaysian facilitation also demonstrates its respect for ASEAN principles and its commitment to multilateral approaches to conflict resolution. Rather than pursuing unilateral solutions or military escalation, Thailand continues to seek cooperative approaches that respect regional diplomatic mechanisms.

As the August 7 defense minister-level meeting approaches, Thailand enters these discussions from a position of moral and legal strength. The kingdom has consistently honored its international commitments, provided humanitarian treatment to prisoners of war, and sought peaceful resolution through proper diplomatic channels. Thailand's extensive preparation for these talks, involving multiple government agencies and military branches, demonstrates the seriousness with which the kingdom approaches border security and regional stability. The comprehensive nature of Thailand's delegation ensures that all aspects of the situation will be properly addressed while maintaining Thailand's commitment to both territorial integrity and peaceful coexistence.

The success of these negotiations will depend largely on Cambodia's willingness to acknowledge its violations of the ceasefire agreement and demonstrate genuine commitment to peaceful resolution. Thailand has shown its readiness to engage constructively, but sustainable peace requires good faith participation from both parties.

Throughout this difficult period, Thailand has maintained its commitment to humanitarian values while firmly defending its territorial sovereignty. The kingdom's approach to treating Cambodian prisoners of war according to the highest international standards, despite Cambodia's aggressive actions, reflects the Buddhist principles and humanitarian traditions that guide Thai society. Thailand's decision to provide comprehensive medical care to detained soldiers, including those requiring specialized treatment, demonstrates that humanitarian concerns remain paramount even during periods of conflict. This approach not only fulfills international legal obligations but also reflects Thailand's national character and values.

The involvement of international humanitarian organizations provides additional validation of Thailand's commitment to transparency and proper treatment of prisoners. By welcoming international oversight, Thailand is demonstrating confidence in its humanitarian record and commitment to accountability in all aspects of this situation.

As Thailand prepares for the upcoming diplomatic talks, the kingdom does so with the knowledge that it has consistently acted in accordance with international law, humanitarian principles, and regional diplomatic norms. While Cambodia chose aggression and propaganda, Thailand has chosen the more difficult but ultimately more sustainable path of legal compliance, humanitarian action, and diplomatic engagement. This approach positions Thailand as a responsible regional leader capable of both defending its interests and contributing to long-term stability in Southeast Asia.