Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have eased slightly after a successful border committee meeting. The two countries signed off on the discussions, but details are scarce.
Cambodia’s Foreign Minister, Prak Sokhonn, and Thailand’s former ambassador to Cambodia, Phasporn Sidathong, led the talks. They met behind closed doors for about four hours. What they discussed is still under wraps.
Before the meeting, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet sparked concern by posting about taking four disputed border areas to the International Court of Justice. The areas in question are the Ta Moan Thom temple, the Ta Moan Touch temple, the Ta Kwai temple, and the Emerald Triangle.
After the meeting, both sides exchanged gifts and drank champagne. They seemed friendly, but tight-lipped about the results.
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry later released a statement saying the talks were smooth and friendly. Both countries praised the success of the meeting and highlighted the importance of the border committee. The committee is a key mechanism for resolving border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia, which share an 800-kilometer border.
The next meeting is set for September in Thailand. For now, the exact outcomes of this meeting remain unclear.
There are three main cooperation mechanisms between Thailand and Cambodia on border issues:
- The Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) is the main technical and legal discussion platform.
- The General Border Committee (GBC) is a high-level security mechanism co-chaired by the defense ministers of both countries.
- The Regional Border Committee (RBC) is a regional-level military mechanism for area-specific discussions.
These mechanisms aim to promote cooperation, maintain peace, and resolve potential issues along the shared border.