Cambodia Urges Thailand to Resume JBC Work to Resolve Border Tensions

A senior Cambodian diplomatic official has informed diplomats and representatives of international organizations that de-escalating tensions and building mutual trust between Cambodia and Thailand is a straightforward task: Thailand simply needs to dispatch its Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) team to work with Cambodia. On July 3, Eat Sophea, acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, delivered a briefing to 42 heads and representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations in Phnom Penh regarding the latest developments in the Cambodia-Thailand border situation. She highlighted the Thai military’s persistent efforts to reinforce their occupation in areas located beyond Thailand’s unilaterally claimed boundary line, explained a July 6 foreign ministry statement. Sophea reminded the diplomatic corps of the agreed-upon de-escalation measures that were contained in the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC), signed on December 27, 2025. “She underscored that one of the most crucial measures agreed upon to de-escalate the situation, restore trust and achieve lasting peace between the two countries was the early resumption of the survey and demarcation work by the JBC, with immediate priority given to areas where people live,” said the release. It added that the resumption of the JBC’s work would enable the tens of thousands of civilians who remain displaced to return to their homes, as previously agreed. The ministry noted that since the new Thai government took office earlier this year, there has been no indication that any steps have been taken to fulfil Thailand’s commitments under the ceasefire arrangement. Instead, unlawful activities seemingly aimed at creating a fait accompli in occupied areas have continued unabated. Sophea reaffirmed Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to resolving both its land and maritime boundary issues with Thailand through peaceful means, in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements. It has now been more than six months since the ceasefire came into effect on December 27, 2025. While the ceasefire led to the December 30 release of 18 captured Cambodian soldiers, the Thai military has not ceased its activities on occupied territory, which include installing razor wire and shipping container barricades, as well as constructing permanent infrastructure. According to the Ministry of Interior, as of July 6, nearly 21,000 Cambodian citizens remain unable to return to their homes and villages, either because they were destroyed or continue to be occupied by the Thai military.