US President Donald Trump announced a potential ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand on Saturday, following separate calls with the two countries’ leaders. The agreement comes as violence continues along their disputed border, with over a dozen people reported killed and hundreds evacuated.
Thailand’s military has a significant advantage in personnel numbers and equipment, with around 361,000 active-duty troops compared to Cambodia’s 123,000. Thailand is also ranked higher in regional military capabilities, according to the Lowy Institute. However, the two countries’ histories and relationships with other nations may influence their approach to the conflict.
Thailand has strong ties with the US, hosting various joint military exercises and receiving significant economic support. In contrast, Cambodia’s military relies heavily on China for defense equipment and has established a naval base in the Gulf of Thailand. The relationship between these two countries could impact the conflict.
The Thai military boasts modern air force capabilities, including Swedish Gripen fighter jets, while Cambodia has no combat-capable air force. On the ground, Thailand has dozens of battle tanks, while Cambodia has around 200 older Soviet- and Chinese-made tanks. The two countries’ approaches to military policy may differ due to their unique histories and relationships.
As negotiations continue, analysts predict that the Thai military will focus on air power and long-range firepower in response to landmines and booby traps set by Cambodian forces along the disputed border. Despite this advantage, Cambodia’s geographic position could provide an initial advantage for the conflict.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/25/asia/thailand-cambodia-conflict-military-comparison-intl-hnk-ml