Cambodia and Thailand have concluded a pivotal round of border negotiations, marking progress in their decades-long efforts to resolve territorial disputes. The two-day Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting in Phnom Penh concluded Sunday with both sides agreeing to deploy a joint survey team to demarcate agreed border markers, according to official statements.
Cambodian Minister Lam Chea and Thai Foreign Ministry advisor Prasas Prasasvinitchai co-chaired the talks, which were described as “open and positive” by both delegations. The Thai Foreign Ministry called the meeting a “milestone” for reducing border tensions through bilateral mechanisms.
However, the discussions sidestepped four contentious border areas now headed to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Cambodia formally submitted the disputes to the UN court on Sunday, urging Thailand to participate jointly. Thai officials reiterated their preference for bilateral solutions, stating they do not recognize the ICJ’s compulsory jurisdiction.
The diplomatic push follows a May 28 border clash that left one Cambodian soldier dead, underscoring the urgency of resolution efforts. While September’s planned Special JBC in Thailand signals continued dialogue, the ICJ filing reveals persistent fault lines in managing one of Southeast Asia’s most complex border relationships.
