Cambodia Urges Prompt Resumption of Joint Border Commission for Thailand Dispute

Cambodia is strongly urging the prompt resumption of survey and demarcation work by the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to address unresolved issues along the border with Thailand. This call follows reports of unilateral actions by the Thai side, including the installation of shipping containers, barbed wire, digging of trenches, and alleged destruction of civilian infrastructure and property. On September 16, according to the Spokeswoman of the Ministry of National Defence of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Brigadier General Antero S. Narcise PN (M), Deputy Inspector General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the ASEAN Observer Team in Cambodia (AOT-KH) visited the Cambodia-Thailand border area near the Boeung Trakoun Border Checkpoint in Banteay Meanchey province to observe the situation. During the visit, Banteay Meanchey Provincial Governor H.E. Oum Reatrey briefed the delegation on the reported deployment of shipping containers, installation of barbed wire, digging of trenches, and construction of bunkers by the Thai military, as well as the alleged destruction of civilian infrastructure, homes, and property belonging to Cambodian civilians. He also noted the illegal occupation of Cambodian territory in the Boeung Trakoun Border Checkpoint area, stating that these activities have prevented numerous Cambodian families from returning to their homes. The Ministry of National Defence pointed out that the on-site observation, inspection, and verification by the visiting delegation further underscored the necessity to commence border survey and demarcation work by the JBC as soon as possible, in accordance with existing agreements. It specifically referred to Point 4 of the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC), dated December 27, 2025, emphasizing that the resumption of survey and demarcation work would help Cambodian civilians return to their homes safely, with dignity, and without obstruction. The Cambodian side reaffirmed its firm position on safeguarding the international boundary between Cambodia and Thailand, based on international law, the principle of the inviolability of frontiers (uti possidetis juris), the Franco-Siamese Conventions and Treaties, relevant boundary delimitation protocols and maps, and the official records of the boundary delimitation and demarcation commissions. It also cited the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of 2000, the Terms of Reference (TOR) of 2003, and other relevant agreements previously agreed upon by both sides as the basis for resolving border disputes peacefully and achieving lasting peace between the two countries. The Royal Government and the Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia further reaffirmed their firm, sincere, and good-faith commitment to fully and consistently respecting and implementing the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand GBC dated December 27, 2025, the Joint Declaration on the Peace Agreement between Cambodia and Thailand dated October 26, 2025, and other relevant agreements, with the aim of swiftly improving the situation and restoring normalcy. By C. Nika