Hundreds of Thais and Cambodians laced up their running shoes on Sunday to mark a significant milestone: 75 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Cambodia. The Two Kingdoms Run 2025, held in Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province near the border with Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey, symbolised not just physical endurance but also the enduring ties between the two nations. With participants crossing the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge, the event highlighted a shared history and a commitment to fostering goodwill through sport and cultural exchange.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister, Sorawong Thienthong, who underscored the importance of such initiatives in strengthening bilateral ties. Joining him were key dignitaries, including Tul Traisorat, the Thai Ambassador to Cambodia, Hun Saroeun, the Cambodian Ambassador to Thailand, and local governors Prinya Phothisat of Sa Kaeo and the Governor of Banteay Meanchey. Their presence lent an official weight to the event, reflecting both governments’ support for people-to-people connections.
A Race Across Borders
The Two Kingdoms Run was more than a sporting event; it was a literal bridge between nations. Runners tackled three distances—11.3 kilometres, 7.4 kilometres, and a more accessible 4 kilometres—each route weaving through symbolic locations. The 4km race, dubbed the “friendly run,” started on the Cambodian side of the Friendship Bridge, with participants crossing into Thailand to finish at a truck weighing checkpoint in Sa Kaeo. The longer 11.3km route saw runners start in Thailand, loop through Cambodian malls in Banteay Meanchey, and return, while the 7.4km course turned back at the bridge itself. 
For many participants, the act of running across the border was deeply personal. “It felt like we were running through history,” said one Thai participant, a 34-year-old teacher from Sa Kaeo. “Our countries have had difficult moments, but today was about friendship.” Indeed, the event’s location at the Friendship Bridge—a structure emblematic of reconciliation after decades of tension—added layers of meaning to every step.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating
The 75th anniversary of Thai-Cambodian diplomatic relations, first formalised in 1950, comes at a time when both nations are keen to deepen cooperation. While their shared history includes periods of conflict, notably over border disputes such as the Preah Vihear temple, recent years have seen a thawing of tensions through dialogue and joint initiatives. Events like the Two Kingdoms Run serve as public reminders of this progress, promoting tourism and cultural understanding in border regions often overlooked by international visitors.
Sa Kaeo and Banteay Meanchey, though not major tourist hubs like Bangkok or Siem Reap, are critical to cross-border trade and community ties. The run, organised with support from Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, aimed to spotlight these areas as destinations for cultural exchange. Local vendors and businesses also benefited, with runners and spectators boosting the weekend economy.
Sport as a Unifying Force
Sport has long been a tool for diplomacy in South East Asia, where political sensitivities can complicate state-to-state relations. The Two Kingdoms Run joins a roster of regional events—like the South East Asian Games—that use athleticism to bridge divides. For Thailand and Cambodia, whose border communities often share linguistic and cultural ties, such events resonate on a grassroots level. Families in these areas frequently cross the border for work or trade, and the run offered a rare moment to celebrate that connectivity on a larger stage.
Participants ranged from seasoned runners to casual joggers, with ages spanning generations. Organisers reported an enthusiastic turnout, though exact numbers were not disclosed at the time of writing. Photos from the event, captured by local media, showed smiling faces and national flags of both countries fluttering side by side—a visual testament to the day’s spirit.
Looking Ahead
As Thailand and Cambodia look to the future, initiatives like the Two Kingdoms Run could pave the way for more collaborative projects. Tourism officials on both sides have hinted at plans to make the event an annual fixture, potentially expanding it to include other border provinces. If successful, it could become a model for similar initiatives across the region, where borders often carry historical baggage.
For now, the run stands as a small but meaningful step in a long journey of friendship. As runners crossed the finish line on Sunday, they did so not just for personal achievement but for a shared vision of unity—one stride at a time.
