(Phnom Penh): Pen Bona, Spokesperson of the Royal Government of Cambodia, reaffirmed that Cambodia remains resolute in defending the Cambodia–Thailand international border as established by the Indochina–Siam Boundary Commission. This position is grounded in international law, the principle of non-alteration of borders (uti possidetis juris), the Franco–Siam conventions and treaties, relevant maps, the boundary demarcation records of the Indochina–Siam Boundary Commission, and all agreements and related documents previously endorsed by both sides.
Speaking on Tuesday (Jan. 6) in a press briefing on the developments at the Cambodia-Thailand border, the spokesperson underlined that Cambodia does not recognize any alteration of the border arising from the use of force, as border issues must be resolved through peaceful means.
He further explained that the next priority is to move forward with the joint survey and demarcation of the border, in line with Point 3 of the Joint Statement. Point 3 affirms that both sides agree that all arrangements under this Joint Statement are without prejudice to the border demarcation and international boundary between the two countries. Both sides agree to refer to the Joint Boundary Commission to resume, at the earliest, the survey and demarcation works, in accordance with existing agreements between the two countries to achieve lasting peace along the border. Both sides agree to utilize Joint Boundary Commission's existing mechanisms to ensure safety and security of the joint survey team on the ground, including its safety from landmines. Both sides agree that the Joint Boundary Commission will accord the first and foremost priority for the immediate survey and demarcation works in the affected border areas where the civilians resided.
The spokesperson continued that, in line with the spirit of Point 3, Cambodia, through the Secretariat of Border Affairs, submitted a proposal to the Thai side on 28 December 2025 to convene a special meeting in the first week of January. However, the Thai side requested a postponement, citing the need to await internal procedures.
Subsequently, the Cambodian side once again requested the Thai side, through a Note Verbale dated 5 January 2026, to convene a special meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand Thailand–Cambodia Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) in the second or third week of January 2026 in Siem Reap Province, with the aim of discussing issues as follows:
1. To discuss the survey and demarcation works, as well as address the issue that Thai military forces have been conducting activities violating Cambodia's territorial integrity and sovereignty by laying barbed wire, placing containers, planting Thai flags, building trenches, clearing and destroying the homes and property of Cambodian citizens, and prohibiting Cambodian citizens from returning to live in their homes.
2. To resume the work progress of survey and the emplacement of temporary markers on the terrain in the segment between Boundary Pillars No. 42-47, located in the areas of Chouk Chey Village and Prey Chan Village, O Bei Chorn Commune, O Chrov District, Banteay Meanchey Province, and in the segment between Boundary Pillars No. 52-59, located in Boeng Reang Commune and Kam Rieng Commune, Kam Rieng District, Battambang Province.
3. To discuss on the survey and the emplacement of temporary markers on the terrain in the segments between Boundary Pillars No. 33-37 (Boeung Trakuon area), Thmor Da International Point of Entry (Thmor Da Commune, Veal Veng District, Pursat Province), the O Phluk Domrei border area (Thmor Da Commune, Veal Veng District, Pursat Province), the Chor 1 border area (Thmor Da Commune, Veal Veng District, Pursat Province), and other border areas.
4. To dispatch Joint Survey Teams to carry out survey and demarcation works on the terrain in the segment between the agreed exact locations of the Boundary Pillars (the stream and straight boundary line), in accordance with the spirit of the Agreed Minutes of the 6th Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC) dated 15 June 2025 in Phnom Penh.
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