The border reopening followed the withdrawal of M23 from Uvira in January, at the request of the United States, which sought to consolidate the truce achieved through a Trump-brokered agreement between Rwanda’s Paul Kagame and DRC’s Felix Tshisekedi in Washington in December 2025.

The border closure restricted the movement of people and goods between the two countries, impeding trade and undermining the East African Community’s common market and custom union arrangements that are intended to eliminate trade barriers between the members of the regional bloc.

“When the border was closed, business declined. Without Congolese customers, movement decreased and so did our income,” remarks a Burundian market vendor, who emphasises that the substantial reduction in the number of Congolese customers who would purchase their products in large amounts to resell in their country, strained their small businesses.

The reopening is expected to boost cross-border trade, increasing Burundi’s and the DRC’s exports. During the two-month closure, there were shortages of consumer goods and a rise in prices, which constrained the livelihood of people, especially those living around the border towns of Uvira and Gutamba.

“The reopening of the border is a great joy for us and for all the residents of Uvira. Even in Gatumba, there is celebration. Motorcycles and bicycles are moving. I even saw students leaving their schools to come celebrate at the border,” notes another trader.

As of 2023, over 80% of Burundi’s exports were destined for DRC, a significant portion of which went through the Kavimvira border post. However, the rising insecurity worsened the humanitarian situation, significantly reducing trade flow and dampening the economic prospects of both nations.

This was not the first time Burundi had closed a border due to insecurity. In 2024, the East African nation claimed that its neighbour, Rwanda, was hosting and training the Red Tabara, an anti-regime rebel outfit that Bujumbura attributed to an attack that claimed 20 lives in December 2023. This culminated in the closure of the border between the two countries. The action significantly jeopardised the flow of goods and people, hindering economic activities, mostly along the borderlands.

There are some doubts as to whether the M23 withdrawal from Uvira will be sustained, considering the recent escalation. On Tuesday, the military spokesperson of the rebel group, Willy Ngoma, was killed in a drone strike near Rubaya, North Kivu province. This has heightened tensions with a possibility of fresh confrontation between the Rwanda-backed rebels and the Congolese army.

The frequent conflicts in the Great Lakes region highlight the need for regional blocs, particularly the EAC and the Southern African Development Community, to strengthen their conflict management mechanisms to prevent or mitigate cross-border disputes before they spiral.

The opinions and thoughts expressed in this article reflect only the author's views.

Socheata said Cambodia was calling on Thailand to immediately halt all hostile actions and withdraw its forces from Cambodian territory. She added that while some frontlines remained calm, Cambodian forces were on high alert due to continued Thai military activity near the Preah Vihear Temple and other surrounding areas. According to her statement, Thai forces initiated tank and infantry assaults in the area with artillery support, including what she described as the use of toxic gas and cluster bombs.

The spokesperson also stressed that Cambodia has consistently upheld its obligations under international law, particularly international humanitarian law. Her remarks came a day after Thailand’s Ministry of Defence said its forces had struck Cambodian positions in retaliation for attacks on Thai territory.

The renewed clashes follow rising tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border last week. Thailand reported nine soldiers killed and four civilian deaths during evacuations, while Cambodia said 11 civilians were killed and 74 were injured. The current ceasefire was originally brokered by US President Donald Trump and signed on 26 October after a previous border crisis, with both sides blaming each other for the latest outbreak of violence.

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to halt border hostilities and release 18 detained soldiers under a “peace deal” signed on Sunday and witnessed by US President Donald Trump at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Trump hailed the accord, signed by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian leader Hun Manet, as “an incredible job for humanity.” The joint declaration commits both nations to withdraw heavy weapons, remove landmines and resolve disputes peacefully. Trump, who credited US mediation for averting further conflict, also announced upcoming trade and minerals agreements with the two Southeast Asian neighbours.

Thailand begins year-long funeral for former queen Sirikit

Thailand began a year-long funeral for former queen Sirikit on Sunday, as mourners gathered in Bangkok to pay respects to the “Mother of the Nation.” The 93-year-old royal, mother of King Vajiralongkorn and wife of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died on Friday after years of illness. Her body was moved from Chulalongkorn Hospital to the Grand Palace, where it will lie in state for a year before cremation. Citizens have been asked to wear muted colours and suspend celebrations for 90 days. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delayed his ASEAN trip to attend the initial ceremonies.

Anutin asserts authority to dissolve parliament early 

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has reaffirmed his right to dissolve Parliament at any time, hinting that he could do so before the agreed January deadline. Speculation has mounted that Anutin may call an early election to pre-empt a possible censure motion against his minority coalition. While the constitutional amendment process has advanced past its first reading, Anutin said, “If that day comes, let the people decide.”

Pheu Thai may choose non-Shinawatra leader after Paetongtarn’s exit

The opposition Pheu Thai Party will hold a general assembly on October 31 to elect a new leader following Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s resignation amid a credibility slump tied to her leaked phone call with Cambodian leader Hun Sen. Party elections director Suriya Juangroongruangkit said the next leader “may not be a Shinawatra,” but denied rumours he would take the post, saying he is “too old” and prefers new-generation leadership. He dismissed reports that his family pressured Paetongtarn to quit, calling them “completely untrue,” and vowed to restore the party’s strength ahead of the next general election.

Thailand urges regional action on online scams at ASEAN Summit

Thailand is calling for stronger regional cooperation to combat online scams and cybercrime , as well as to deepen economic ties, ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28. Bolbongse Vangphaen, the director-general of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and fellow leaders will reaffirm their commitment to peace, digital growth and sustainability amid global instability. Thailand, which chairs ASEAN’s digital economy negotiations, is pushing the “Bangkok Declaration Against Online Scams” and a joint declaration on cybercrime.

The move follows violent confrontations earlier this month in which Thai forces clashed with Cambodian demonstrators near Sa Kaeo province.

Cambodian officials said at least 23 of their nationals were injured, while Thailand reported injuries to five of its officers. Phnom Penh has accused Bangkok of violating its territory, escalating tensions despite a fragile ceasefire brokered in July.

The shutdown threatens $3 billion in annual cross-border trade and leaves tens of thousands of Cambodian migrant workers stranded. It also risks destabilising ASEAN’s efforts to mediate, with both the United States and China urging restraint.

Pressure is rising from outside as well. The UN Security Council called an emergency meeting in July, with all 15 members calling for restraint. Norway, Pakistan, and Russia issued new pleas, and ASEAN’s General Border Committee will meet in October with hopes of finding a way forward. However, with Cambodia reaching out to the ICJ and Thailand pushing for direct talks instead, any solution still feels far off.

Border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia, rooted in century-old territorial ambiguities near temple sites such as Preah Vihear, have flared repeatedly, most recently between 2008 and 2011.

Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP) forecast has been revised downward , with growth expected to remain below 5% next year. The adjustment reflects both global and domestic economic challenges, particularly those affecting exports. Analysts caution that these pressures may pose additional hurdles for the Thai economy, which is still recovering from the effects of the pandemic. According to a report from the news outlet เดลินิวส์ (Daily News), economic authorities are closely monitoring the situation and preparing measures to support growth.

Malaysia facilitates Thailand-Cambodia border talks

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has ruled out armed conflict over the Ambalat Block dispute with Indonesia, assuring it will be resolved diplomatically. Speaking in Jakarta on July 29, 2025, he said he had discussed the matter with President Prabowo Subianto, stressing peaceful resolution over war. His comments come amid rising regional tensions after the recent Thailand-Cambodia border clashes. Despite opposition pressure for a tougher stance, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to negotiation.

Thailand aids farmers in selling surplus longan

Facing a projected surplus of over 1 million tonnes of longan in 2025, the Thai government is collaborating with the private sector to support farmers amid declining prices. The Ministry of Commerce is managing 151,000 tonnes through exports, domestic sales, and processing. Initiatives include exporting 15,000 tonnes, promoting local consumption via the Thai Fruit Festival, CSR-driven purchases, subsidised shipping, vending machine sales, and global outreach through 58 trade offices.

Two storms approaching northeast

Northeast Thailand is preparing for two storms expected to hit the region this September, according to weather forecasts. Local authorities have begun implementing emergency measures to protect residents and reduce potential damage. The storms are forecasted to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds, raising the risk of floods and landslides in vulnerable areas. Communities have been advised to remain vigilant and follow official guidance.

Thailand’s green tourism sets sustainability standard

On July 29, 2025, Thailand unveiled the Green Tourism Collections , featuring 20 eco-friendly travel routes across 10 designated Green Cities, including Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Bangkok. Developed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the initiative aims to align with European sustainability standards and cater to growing demand for low-impact travel, especially from EU and U.S. tourists. The routes promote environmental responsibility, cultural authenticity, and support for local businesses. Spanning both urban and rural areas, they encourage sustainable tourism practices while preserving Thailand’s natural and cultural heritage, in line with the 2030 Sustainable Tourism Goals.