THAILAND has raised concerns with China over Cambodia’s recent receipt of Chinese-made tanks, citing the delicate state of relations between the two South-east Asian neighbours following deadly border clashes last year.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul conveyed the concerns to Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting on July 17, with Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow revealing details of the discussion on July 20 during the Thai delegation’s visit to China.
“Our concern lies in Cambodia’s reporting of the tank delivery. At this time, relations are delicate, and the ceasefire is fragile,” Bloomberg cited Sihasak telling reporters.
“Presenting the tank delivery in a way that benefits Cambodia could not be beneficial for the current Thai-Cambodian situation.”
The remarks followed Thailand’s announcement in June that 39 Chinese T-59D battle tanks had been delivered to Cambodia under an existing joint military training agreement.
Thai authorities said the equipment did not appear to have been deployed near the border following the delivery.
Relations between Thailand and Cambodia have remained strained despite a second ceasefire agreement reached at the end of 2025, following clashes in July and December that ranked among the deadliest confrontations between the two countries in recent years.
Tensions have also been heightened by Cambodia’s move earlier this year to initiate a compulsory United Nations settlement process over maritime disputes, further complicating bilateral discussions.
Sihasak said talks on land border demarcation had been disrupted, with both sides facing difficulties in advancing negotiations.
The dispute stems from longstanding disagreements over colonial-era maps and treaties used to define parts of the approximately 800km shared border.
Historical rivalries and growing nationalist sentiment have contributed to renewed military tensions along the frontier.
Cambodia’s use of Chinese-made military equipment came under scrutiny during the 2025 border clashes, after reports that Thai forces had seized Chinese-manufactured weapons from Cambodian soldiers.
China has maintained that it conducts “normal defence cooperation” with both Thailand and Cambodia and that its military ties with either country are not directed against any third party.
In April, Beijing delivered Cambodia’s first Type 056 guided-missile corvette to Ream Naval Base.
Thailand, a treaty ally of the United States, has a significantly larger and more advanced military capability compared with Cambodia.
Sihasak said Thailand appreciated China’s recognition of the importance of maintaining neutrality and avoiding taking sides in the dispute.
He added that Bangkok valued Beijing’s willingness to help ease tensions but stressed that the issue ultimately had to be resolved through bilateral discussions between Thailand and Cambodia.
“We didn’t criticise them. We just stated the facts, and we asked that they consider these concerns,” he said.
Beyond the border dispute, Thailand and China agreed to establish a dialogue mechanism involving their foreign and defence ministers.
China will host the first round of talks, with initial discussions expected to focus on cooperation to combat cross-border scam operations. - July 20, 2026
