PHANOM PENH – The spokesperson of Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Thailand’s recent measures will not change Cambodia’s position on resolving the border dispute or the agenda of the upcoming JBC meeting.
Chum Sunry, spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that Thailand’s plan to cut electricity and internet services near the Cambodia border will not alter Cambodia’s stance on resolving the border issues with Thailand or affect the agenda for the Joint Border Commission (JBC) meeting to be held soon.
A Cambodian news agency asked the spokesperson about his opinion regarding Thai media reports stating that Thailand plans to cut electricity and internet connections along the Thai-Cambodian border, and whether such measures would be withheld if Cambodia resolves the border dispute at the upcoming JBC meeting.
Chum Sunry responded to Fresh News that the Cambodian government has clearly reaffirmed its commitment to continue cooperation with Thailand to promote the remaining border demarcation and delimitation between the two countries. This is to be done through the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Border Commission (JBC) mechanism as secretary, following agreements between the two governments (especially the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding), international law, and if necessary, international judicial mechanisms such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in cases like the areas of Mempei (Emerald Triangle), Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tod Temple, and Ta Kwai Temple.
The spokesperson further said that the Cambodian government will continue to maintain bilateral relations through all existing mechanisms for the benefit of the people of both Cambodia and Thailand. He added that Cambodia is ready to host the upcoming JBC meeting, which must be conducted in a spirit of mutual respect. He also emphasized that the approach of cutting utilities will not change Cambodia’s position based on the above principles, but will only increase tensions.
