Bangkok: Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates that Thailand is committed to using bilateral mechanisms to resolve conflicts, laying out three main guidelines for JBC negotiations, focusing on the benefits of the country and Thai people.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nikorndej Plangoon, Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced weekly that on 11 June 2025, the Thai side organized the second meeting of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to prepare for participation in the JBC meeting, which the Minister has already announced in a press conference on this matter.
Before the meeting, the Minister gave a policy for the negotiations, emphasizing three principles for the Thai team: reducing tensions and enabling local people to live together peacefully, creating greater clarity on border lines for sustainable solutions, and standing firm in defending Thailand's sovereignty by not allowing any territorial losses.
Mr. Plangoon reiterated that the Thai side is committed to using bilateral mechanisms to resolve conflicts, which are accepted by international practice and supported by many countries. The current bilateral mechanisms between Thailand and Cambodia include the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), General Border Committee (GBC), and Regional Border Committee (RBC). Thailand aims to use all three in conjunction with Cambodia in negotiations.
In addition, Thailand and Cambodia have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of 2000 on the Survey and Demarcation of Land Boundaries, which is legally binding for both parties. The JBC meeting, to be held on 14 June 2025, is the main bilateral mechanism for negotiating technical and legal issues on the border.
The JBC comprises representatives from agencies with expertise in international law and border areas. It has held 10 meetings, the most recent in Bangkok in 2012, and will meet again in Phnom Penh, marking the 25th anniversary of the MOU. One of the MOU's key provisions is to facilitate effective joint surveys along the land boundary and refrain from altering the border environment. Currently, the JBC is working on identifying, repairing, and setting up 73 boundary markers.
The Thai Commission, appointed by the Cabinet on 29 November 2024, includes experts from various agencies. The chairman is Mr. Prasarn Prasarnvinitchai, a former Ambassador to Phnom Penh. For Cambodia, the chairman is Mr. Lam Chea, Minister of Border Affairs.
Regarding Cambodia's intention to use the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Thailand has not accepted the ICJ's jurisdiction since 1960, a stance shared by 118 other UN member countries. Thailand remains committed to resolving issues through bilateral mechanisms, as agreed with Cambodia.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms its commitment to working professionally and prioritizing national interests. It will report progress and results of the JBC meeting to clarify doubts about news disseminated on social media, creating correct understanding.