That Cambodia agreed to shift the venue from its initial demand for Kuala Lumpur to Thailand's eastern province is nevertheless a positive sign. Peace advocates can do little more than hope that no new deadly clashes erupt, which could derail the talks. Border trade, from which Thailand enjoys an advantage worth more than 100 billion baht a year, has declined sharply. Although the war budget remains confidential, estimates suggest spending has already exceeded 10 billion baht, with the Anutin Charnvirakul government allocating several billion baht to cover costs. Leaders acting rationally must not allow the peace process to collapse but must work to sustain it.

Source: Bangkok Post December 25, 2025 00:17 UTC