Late on June 15, Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement regarding the 6th meeting of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on June 14, 2025. The Thai delegation was led by Mr. Prasas Prasatvinitchai, Advisor on Border Affairs to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while Mr. Lam Chea, Cambodia’s Minister in charge of the National Border Affairs Secretariat, chaired the Cambodian side. The commission includes representatives from relevant agencies of both nations.
This was the first JBC meeting in 13 years, following the last one held in Bangkok in 2012. The talks made notable technical progress, including:
- Approval of the 4th Thai-Cambodian Joint Technical Sub-Committee (JTSC) meeting report from July 14, 2024, in Siem Reap. Both sides agreed on the positions of 45 boundary markers and approved the use of LiDAR technology to expedite aerial mapping and boundary surveys.
- Agreement to amend the 2003 Master Plan (TOR 2003) for boundary demarcation to incorporate LiDAR technology for aerial photo maps.
- Approval to deploy joint survey teams to define boundary lines in agreed areas using natural features like rivers or straight lines. JTSC was assigned to draft the relevant Technical Instructions (TI).
- Approval of technical guidelines for surveying Segment 6 (from Khao Sattasom to Boundary Marker No. 1 at Chong Sa-Ngam, Sisaket Province), a pending issue since 2011. JTSC was tasked with creating both technical guidelines and aerial maps for future JBC approval.
However, Thailand expressed deep disappointment over Cambodia’s continued unilateral effort to bring four disputed areas—Chong Bok, Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, and Ta Krabei—before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Thailand viewed this as a lack of genuine commitment to bilateral mechanisms for peaceful resolution.
In response, the Thai delegation reaffirmed key points in the meeting’s Agreed Minutes:
- Thailand's actions were in self-defense, proportional, and aligned with international law.
- Thailand regretted Cambodia’s refusal to discuss peaceful solutions for the four disputed areas, reiterating Thailand’s long-standing support for bilateral talks and the JBC’s vital role.
- Thailand emphasized adherence to the 2000 MOU, signed by both sides, which prohibits actions that alter the border status quo. Both countries should exercise restraint to avoid escalation.
- Both sides must avoid disseminating misleading information that could fuel misunderstanding or conflict, and should use other bilateral platforms—such as the GBC, RBC, and governor-level border meetings—to maintain peace and facilitate cross-border movement. Cambodia declined this cooperation.
Thailand stressed that the meeting did not include any discussions about Cambodia’s ICJ plan or the controversial 1:200,000-scale Franco-Siamese map, as claimed by Cambodia. The meeting focused strictly on technical mapping work, which is the second phase of the border demarcation under the master plan.
Thailand will host the next special JBC session in September 2025.