Latest news with #JointBoundaryCommittee
The Star
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Thai Foreign Ministry urges Cambodia to return to bilateral border talks
BANGKOK: Thailand urges Cambodia to honour MoU and return to Joint Boundary Committee talks instead of escalating border dispute to the ICJ. The Thai Foreign Ministry on Sunday (July 6) reiterated its call for Cambodia to return to the negotiation table via the Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) to resolve ongoing border disputes, instead of escalating the issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Cambodia bypasses JBC, files ICJ lawsuit over four sites The ministry issued the statement following Cambodia's decision to file a case with the ICJ, claiming ownership of four ancient sites: Prasat Ta Muen Thom, Prasat Ta Muen Toch, Prasat Ta Khwai, and the Emerald Triangle. Thailand also rejected Cambodia's allegations that Bangkok had disrupted the negotiation process through the JBC. During the most recent JBC meeting held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia reportedly refused to include the four contested sites in the agenda for bilateral discussion. JBC established to resolve boundary issues peacefully The JBC is a bilateral mechanism jointly established by Thailand and Cambodia to survey, demarcate, and manage their shared land boundary. It aims to promote mutual understanding and peaceful settlement of border-related issues for the benefit of both countries. In its statement, the ministry noted that both nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2000 (BE 2543), committing to resolve border issues exclusively through the JBC. MoU excludes third-party mechanisms like the ICJ The Foreign Ministry emphasised that the MoU does not mention the ICJ or any other third-party mechanism for resolving disputes, and therefore Cambodia is obligated to honour the agreement by engaging through the JBC. As such, Thailand has not breached the terms of the MoU, the ministry added. Thailand uses JBC mechanism with other neighbours The ministry pointed out that Thailand has successfully used the JBC framework to resolve border issues with neighbouring countries, including Malaysia and Laos. In both cases, more than 90% of the border demarcation has already been completed. Cambodia itself, the ministry noted, has used bilateral mechanisms to resolve disputes with other neighbouring countries. Thailand waited over a decade for JBC revival Thailand has been waiting for over 12 years for Cambodia to resume JBC talks. The most recent meeting, held on June 14 and 15 in Phnom Penh, marked the first in over a decade. The ministry concluded by calling on Cambodia to honour the MoU and engage in bilateral negotiations via the JBC to peacefully resolve the border dispute. - The Nation/ANN
Bangkok Post
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Thai-Cambodian border tensions easing, say ministers
Tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border are starting to ease and Thailand expects Cambodia to withdraw forces from the border and return to bilateral talks, say Thai ministers. Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said on Thursday that tensions had subsided to a certain extent because there have been no skirmishes, although soldiers and weapons are still stationed close to the border. The Thai side would like to see the withdrawal of forces to the normal positions they occupied last year because the Thai government is concerned about the safety of local people, Mr Maris said. Thailand will try to resolve issues with Cambodia bilaterally through official diplomatic channels, he said, adding that the Thai government would not negotiate through social media. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, Hun Sen, have been prolific posters on Facebook and other channels, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says has only exacerbated the situation. The current dispute erupted after a clash on May 28 between Thai and Cambodian forces over a disputed part of the border in Ubon Ratchathani, in which one Cambodian soldier was killed. In parliament, Deputy Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit said the measures Thailand had adopted at the border did not place undue pressure on people. The border was not closed but crossings by people and vehicles have been limited to those who have regular duties related to work, school or trade, he said. At the Chong Chom crossing in Kap Choeng district of Surin, he noted, the Thai gate was open but the adjacent Cambodian border gate was closed. 'The existing pressures are not meant for economic effect but are intended to put pressure on criminal gangs. … Now scams have dropped noticeably,' he said, referring to the heavy concentration of criminal activity in Cambodian border towns such as Poipet. Gen Nattaphon also said that Cambodian members of the Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) had resumed talks with their Thai counterparts and that was a positive sign. Earlier, they refused to talk and insisted only on bringing border issues to the International Court of Justice, which Thailand has opposed. Thai and Cambodian officials on the JBC are now considering conditions for further negotiations, said Gen Nattaphon, who is also acting as defence minister because the position was left vacant during the recent cabinet reshuffle. If the JBC resumes its meetings, he said, Thailand will propose that forces return to their normal positions to prevent untoward incidents and that intensified border controls be lifted.
The Star
11-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Thai defence minister unfazed by Cambodia's ICJ plan, says Thailand ready with response measures
BANGKOK: Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (pic) on Wednesday (June 11) brushed aside Cambodia's move to file a case with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding four disputed border areas, affirming that Thailand is already prepared with appropriate response measures. His remarks came after Phnom Penh set up a committee to prepare documents for filing a complaint with the ICJ over the disputed border areas, including the Mom Bei area and the temples of Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch, and Ta Krabei. In response, Phumtham said it is within Cambodia's right to proceed with legal action, but reiterated that Thailand has not accepted the ICJ's jurisdiction in such matters since the administration of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. 'Let the matter proceed through due process,' he said. When asked whether the issue would affect the upcoming Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) meeting scheduled for Saturday (June 14), Phumtham acknowledged that the dispute is unlikely to be resolved swiftly. He added that both the Royal Thai Army and the 2nd Army Region were in agreement to maintain the current system of controlling the opening and closing of border checkpoints in each area, confirming that measures have not been escalated. Phumtham stressed that the border with Cambodia has not been completely shut but is subject to scheduled openings and limitations on the number of people crossing. He expressed confidence that the situation would gradually improve, citing increased communication between Thai and Cambodian troops on the ground and proposals for joint patrols and collaborative activities. When asked whether Cambodia's move resembled the earlier case involving the Preah Vihear Temple, Phumtham said the Preah Vihear issue was unrelated to the current tension, although the previous case could offer some lessons. As for the Thailand Watch Foundation's suggestion to replace the current head of negotiations—who was also involved during the Preah Vihear dispute—Phumtham argued that someone familiar with the issue and the local context would best understand the current situation. 'The government will listen to the facts and reasons. This is not about personal preferences or who likes whom. It's about addressing the national interest. We must prioritise what's best for the country,' he said. Asked if Cambodia's unilateral filing would have any impact, Phumtham said it was difficult to predict. He added that any legal matters would be handled by the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs. He confirmed that Thailand has already prepared contingency plans. "How could we not be prepared in a time of national crisis? We are ready. Further details will be provided in due course," he concluded. - The Nation/ANN
India.com
09-06-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Border Breach, Soldier Killed, Tanks Deployed: How A 1907 Map Sparked Clashes Between These Two Asian Nations
Bangkok: After a tense standoff along their disputed border, Cambodia's Defence Ministry confirmed on June 8 that both Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to return their troops to previous positions. This agreement follows a deadly clash on May 28 in an undemarcated border zone where a Cambodian soldier was killed. The incident had prompted both nations to rush heavily armed forces to the area. Thailand's Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the two countries, following talks, have agreed to defuse tensions and would revert to border positions agreed upon in 2024. Though this move signals a step toward calming the situation, the underlying dispute remains far from resolved. A Century-Old Dispute The root of the conflict lies in a map drawn more than 100 years ago. The border between Thailand and Cambodia, stretching over 817 kilometers (508 miles), was originally mapped by French colonial authorities in 1907 when Cambodia was under French rule. Since then, sovereignty over several undemarcated points along this frontier has been contested. This is not the first time tensions have flared. The two countries have clashed repeatedly over the years, including a serious conflict in 2008 centered on an 11th-century Hindu temple complex. That fight escalated into deadly skirmishes, with artillery exchanges in 2011 leaving dozens dead. Military Build-Up Following the May 28 incident, both sides deployed large numbers of troops and heavy weapons along the contested border. Thailand has 17 official border crossings with Cambodia, spanning seven provinces, but many parts of the boundary remain unclear. Despite the troop withdrawals now underway, Thailand recently cut operating hours at 10 border crossings, including the busy checkpoint in Sa Kaeo province, citing security concerns. For days, the two governments have exchanged statements emphasising their commitment to peace and dialogue, although specifics about troop deployments remained vague. Thailand's Defence Minister expressed hope that the border issue could be resolved through upcoming bilateral talks, including a scheduled meeting of the Joint Boundary Committee on June 14. Cambodia, however, has called for the dispute to be settled by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In a letter sent to Thai officials on June 6, Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn stressed the complexity and historical nature of the conflict, saying that bilateral talks alone may not be enough to find a lasting solution. 'A decision rendered by the ICJ, grounded in international law, would offer a fair, impartial, and durable resolution,' he said. Thailand, meanwhile, does not recognise the ICJ's jurisdiction and insists that all issues be resolved bilaterally. A Complicated Relationship Politics adds another layer of complexity. The two nations once enjoyed warmer ties, largely due to the friendship between former leaders Thaksin Shinawatra of Thailand and Hun Sen of Cambodia. Now, their children – Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Hun Manet – are the current prime ministers, but rising nationalist sentiments in Thailand have strained relations. With both countries digging in and the border dispute unresolved, the fragile peace in Southeast Asia hangs in the balance. ASEAN leaders have urged restraint, but the risk remains that another clash could spiral into a broader conflict, dragging regional powers into the fray.
Korea Herald
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Thailand, Cambodia say they will return to agreed border positions after clash
Cambodia's Defense Ministry confirmed Sunday that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to return their troops to previous border positions after a clash in which a Cambodian soldier was killed prompted both to reinforce their military presence. The Cambodian statement, which said both sides wished to ease tensions following the incident in an undemarcated area on May 28, came after Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said both countries were in talks to defuse the situation and would revert to positions agreed in 2024. For days, the two governments have exchanged statements, saying they were committed to finding a peaceful resolution. Neither gave details about where or to what extent their military forces had been reinforced over the weekend. Thailand operates 17 official border crossings with Cambodia, spanning seven provinces along their shared 817 kilometers frontier, Thai government data shows. Both countries have for more than a century contested sovereignty at undemarcated points along their shared border, which was mapped by France in 1907 when Cambodia was its colony. Thailand's Phumtham said both sides hoped the border issue could be fully resolved through bilateral talks, including a meeting of the Joint Boundary Committee on June 14. Cambodia's Foreign Ministry reiterated a request to bring the border disputes to the International Court of Justice in a letter to Thai officials on June 6. "Given the complexity, historical nature, and sensitivity of these disputes, it is increasingly evident that bilateral dialogue alone may no longer suffice to bring about a comprehensive and lasting solution," Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said in the note shared with reporters Sunday. "A decision rendered by the ICJ, grounded in international law, would offer a fair, impartial and durable resolution," he said. The Thai government has said it does not recognize the court's jurisdiction and proposed that all boundary-related issues be resolved through bilateral negotiations. Tensions between the countries escalated in 2008 over an 11th-century Hindu temple, leading to skirmishes over several years and at least a dozen deaths, including during a weeklong exchange of artillery in 2011. In the latest flare-up, Thailand cut operating hours at 10 border crossings with Cambodia, citing security concerns. Checkpoints, including the busiest in Thailand's eastern province of Sa Kaeo, halved operating hours on Sunday to 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thai foreign ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told reporters. The governments of Thailand and Cambodia previously enjoyed warmer ties, owing to a friendship between former leaders, Thaksin Shinawatra from Thailand and Cambodia's Hun Sen. Thaksin's daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and Hun Sen's son, Hun Manet, are now the incumbent prime ministers of their countries, and the conflict has raised questions over their relationship. (Reuters)
