Cambodia-Thailand Border Observation Mission Inspects Marker 72

Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense announced that the ASEAN Observation Team (AOT) conducted an on-site inspection of border marker number 72 (Unity Marker) on the Cambodia-Thailand border, located in Cham Yim village, Pak Khlong commune, Mondul Seima district, Kandal province, on the morning of September 1, 2023. The inspection aims to gain a deeper understanding of the situation at the agreed-upon border marker, based on direct observation. According to the Ministry of National Defense, Cambodia conveyed to the ASEAN observation team the Royal Government of Cambodia's stance, which consistently adheres to resolving border issues peacefully through discussions and bilateral mechanisms, in accordance with international law, existing bilateral agreements, and the mandate of the Joint Border Commission (JBC). The Cambodia-Thailand border spans approximately 805 kilometers, with about 595 kilometers being land border and over 210 kilometers being riverine. Since 2006, Cambodia and Thailand have been surveying and locating the 74 border markers originally placed by the Indochina-Siam Border Demarcation Commission between 1919-1920. Cambodia has agreed on the exact locations of 42 border markers, while 32 remain unagreed due to discrepancies from their original positions. The article also references past conflicts, alleging Thai military incursions into Cambodian sovereign territory and ongoing attempts at de facto occupation in certain areas. Nevertheless, the Ministry of National Defense reiterated Cambodia's firm commitment to protecting the Cambodia-Thailand international border left by the Indochina-Siam Border Commission. This commitment respects international law, the principle of Uti Possidetis Juris, the Franco-Siamese Treaty, maps resulting from the demarcation work, and various related documents, including the MOU 2000 and TOR 2003, agreed upon by both parties, with the goal of achieving lasting peace for both nations through peaceful conflict resolution.