BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand and Cambodia concluded their first Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting in 13 years on Saturday, making strides in technical border demarcation but failing to resolve contentious territorial issues.
According to the statement from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting, co-chaired by officials from both nations, agreed on 45 boundary pillar locations and approved using LiDAR technology for faster aerial mapping and demarcation. The 2003 Master Plan for land boundary surveys will be amended to reflect this. Joint survey teams are also set to deploy in agreed areas.
However, Thailand expressed deep disappointment over Cambodia’s refusal to cooperate on specific disputes, particularly its intent to pursue four contested areas at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Thailand reiterated its commitment to bilateral mechanisms, stating the JBC meeting did not discuss the ICJ case or a disputed 1:200,000 map.
Thailand emphasized its actions were in self-defense and proportionate, urging adherence to the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding to prevent border alterations or encroachment. Both sides were encouraged to avoid misinformation and utilize existing bilateral platforms for resolution.
Thailand will host a special JBC meeting in September.
Meanwhile, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a press conference on Monday, June 16, at 1:00 PM to provide an update on the Thai-Cambodian border situation. Mr. Prasas Prasasvinitchai, former Ambassador to Phnom Penh and Chairman of the Thai JBC, along with Mr. Benjamin Sukanjanajtee, Director-General of the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs, briefed the media. A separate briefing for the diplomatic corps followed at 3:30 PM. (TNA)
