Phnom Penh, Cambodia — In a significant move towards regional harmony, Cambodia and Thailand concluded two days of fruitful discussions on Sunday, focusing on their shared border issues.
The talks, part of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), were held in Phnom Penh and co-chaired by Lam Chea, Cambodia’s Minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Border Affairs, and Prasas Prasasvinitchai, Advisor to Thailand’s Foreign Ministry.
The atmosphere was described as friendly and understanding, with both sides emphasizing open and positive dialogue. A joint press release highlighted their agreement to dispatch a survey team to examine and demarcate border lines at agreed-upon markers, a crucial step in reducing tensions.
“This meeting marks an important milestone in the Thailand-Cambodia demarcation process,” the Thai Foreign Ministry stated. “It illustrates our commitment to reducing border tensions and fostering cooperation.”
The next Special JBC meeting is scheduled to take place in Thailand this September, signaling ongoing dedication to resolving outstanding issues.
However, the talks did not address four disputed border areas. In response, Cambodia submitted an official letter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), seeking a resolution. Lam Chea urged Thailand to join the submission, stating that Cambodia would proceed unilaterally if necessary.
Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura reiterated Thailand’s position, saying, “Thailand has never recognized the compulsory jurisdiction of the ICJ. We believe existing bilateral mechanisms and diplomatic discussions are the most effective ways forward.”
The meeting follows a brief exchange of gunfire between soldiers of both countries on May 28, which resulted in the tragic loss of a Cambodian soldier. The recent talks aim to prevent such incidents and strengthen the bonds between the two nations.
For the youth and young adults in the region, these developments signal hope for a more peaceful and cooperative future between neighboring countries.
