Cambodia Urges Thailand to Reconvene Joint Boundary Commission as Border Peace Efforts Stall
Phnom Penh reiterates call for a Joint Boundary Commission meeting after Bangkok postpones talks amid ongoing ceasefire implementation
Cambodia has formally requested that Thailand reconvene their Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), a key bilateral mechanism for addressing long-standing border demarcation issues, after a scheduled special session was postponed at Thailand’s request due to pending internal procedures.
The announcement from Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Border Affairs underscored Phnom Penh’s desire to maintain momentum on diplomatic channels aimed at solidifying border peace and cooperation between the neighbouring nations.
The proposed special JBC meeting, originally slated for early January in the Cambodian city of Siem Reap, was postponed by Bangkok as it completed necessary domestic processes, according to Cambodian officials.
Cambodia’s renewed appeal reflects concern that delays in joint engagement could slow progress on resolving technical border questions rooted in decades of unresolved territorial demarcation.
The JBC, established under a memorandum of understanding on land boundary demarcation, has served as the primary technical forum for Thailand and Cambodia to review and negotiate detailed mapping and boundary marker placement along their shared frontier.
In June last year, both sides convened the sixth session of the commission in Phnom Penh after a long hiatus, reaffirming the importance of peaceful dialogue and collaborative mechanisms for managing border tensions that have periodically flared into armed clashes.
Cambodia’s latest request comes against the backdrop of recent efforts to stabilise bilateral relations following intense border clashes in late 2025, which prompted ceasefire agreements mediated by regional partners and the implementation of confidence-building measures.
While the ceasefire has been gradually upheld, continued technical talks through mechanisms like the JBC remain crucial to translating temporary peace into a sustainable and comprehensive understanding of the land boundary.
Regional diplomatic observers note that effective convening of the JBC could reinforce both countries’ commitments to peaceful dispute resolution and contribute to broader security and development objectives in Southeast Asia.
The announcement from Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Border Affairs underscored Phnom Penh’s desire to maintain momentum on diplomatic channels aimed at solidifying border peace and cooperation between the neighbouring nations.
The proposed special JBC meeting, originally slated for early January in the Cambodian city of Siem Reap, was postponed by Bangkok as it completed necessary domestic processes, according to Cambodian officials.
Cambodia’s renewed appeal reflects concern that delays in joint engagement could slow progress on resolving technical border questions rooted in decades of unresolved territorial demarcation.
The JBC, established under a memorandum of understanding on land boundary demarcation, has served as the primary technical forum for Thailand and Cambodia to review and negotiate detailed mapping and boundary marker placement along their shared frontier.
In June last year, both sides convened the sixth session of the commission in Phnom Penh after a long hiatus, reaffirming the importance of peaceful dialogue and collaborative mechanisms for managing border tensions that have periodically flared into armed clashes.
Cambodia’s latest request comes against the backdrop of recent efforts to stabilise bilateral relations following intense border clashes in late 2025, which prompted ceasefire agreements mediated by regional partners and the implementation of confidence-building measures.
While the ceasefire has been gradually upheld, continued technical talks through mechanisms like the JBC remain crucial to translating temporary peace into a sustainable and comprehensive understanding of the land boundary.
Regional diplomatic observers note that effective convening of the JBC could reinforce both countries’ commitments to peaceful dispute resolution and contribute to broader security and development objectives in Southeast Asia.
