Cambodia Urges Urgent Talks with Thailand Over Disputed Border Area Cultivation

PHNOM PENH, July 7, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has called for an urgent meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) after reporting that Thai farmers had cultivated land inside Cambodian territory near border markers 52 to 59, officials said Tuesday. Government spokesman Pen Bona said ASEAN observers inspected the area after receiving technical information from joint survey teams and temporary boundary markers placed by mixed groups from both countries. Cambodia has lodged a diplomatic protest with Thailand, saying the reported actions undermined bilateral procedures under the JBC. Bona said the government urged the commission to convene “as soon as possible” to address the issue through established mechanisms. He stressed Cambodia’s commitment to resolving border disputes peacefully through dialogue, treaties and international law. The visit by the ASEAN Observers Team was intended to provide direct information about the situation and a broader understanding of Cambodia’s position, he added. The Defence Ministry echoed the call, saying improved dialogue was essential to prevent further tensions. It urged the JBC to meet promptly to address the disputes in line with international conventions. According to the Interior Ministry, more than 640,000 civilians were uprooted during last year’s clashes, with 20,923 people still displaced, including over 10,600 women and 6,000 children. Officials said affected areas remain inaccessible due to what they described as ongoing occupation and destruction of property by Thai troops. Cambodia reiterated that it remains committed to peaceful settlement of border issues, emphasising dialogue and bilateral mechanisms as the path forward.