Thailand’s Foreign Ministry has publicly refuted claims by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet regarding discussions about a historical border map during recent joint boundary talks, highlighting a diplomatic disagreement over a sensitive frontier.
Thai officials stated that an extraordinary meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) did not involve any discussion of the 1:200,000 map. This map, dating back to a 1907 treaty and Franco-Siamese demarcation records, was explicitly mentioned in a social media post by Prime Minister Manet.
Mr. Manet’s post on Facebook claimed both sides agreed to use this map for technical surveys and temporary demarcation in disputed areas. The Cambodian prime minister asserted this approach was necessary to resolve issues in villages locally known as Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaeo in Thailand, or Chok Chey and Prey Chan in Cambodia. These villages are situated between border pillars 42 and 47.
Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of Thailand’s Department of Information and Foreign Ministry spokesperson, confirmed the JBC talks, held in Chanthaburi Province from October 21-22, 2025, were solely focused on jointly surveying existing border pillars.
The Thai Foreign Ministry emphasized its commitment to peaceful resolution of border issues through bilateral mechanisms and good neighbor principles. However, it stressed that Thailand would uphold its national sovereignty, interests, and the safety of its citizens in the border region. The ministry also stated it would not allow distorted information to undermine these efforts.
Siripong Angkaskulkiat, spokesperson for the Thai Prime Minister’s Office, also affirmed that Mr. Manet’s statement was untrue and could cause misunderstandings both domestically and internationally. He reiterated that no discussions or agreements concerning the 1:200,000 map or temporary demarcation in the disputed area took place.