Thailand and Cambodia Hold Border Talks Amid Rising Tensions
Joint Boundary Commission convenes in Phnom Penh following fatal clash; Thailand reaffirms rejection of ICJ jurisdiction
On June 14, 2025, Thailand and Cambodia convened a meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) in Phnom Penh to address escalating tensions along their shared border.
The discussions followed a fatal incident on May 28, where a Cambodian soldier was killed during a skirmish in an undemarcated area near the Emerald Triangle, prompting both nations to reinforce military presence along disputed sections of their 820-kilometer frontier.
The JBC talks, led by Thai delegation head Prasas Prasasvinitchai, focused on technical matters within the commission's mandate, including the use of terrain survey technologies.
Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura described the atmosphere as constructive, with both sides engaging in open dialogue.
However, contentious issues remained unresolved.
Cambodia has formally submitted a case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning four disputed areas, including the Ta Moan Thom and Ta Moan Toch temples.
Thailand reiterated its longstanding position of not recognizing the ICJ's jurisdiction in this matter, emphasizing the preference for resolving disputes through existing bilateral mechanisms such as the JBC and diplomatic channels.
The meeting is scheduled to continue through June 15, with both parties expressing hope for a peaceful resolution.
The discussions followed a fatal incident on May 28, where a Cambodian soldier was killed during a skirmish in an undemarcated area near the Emerald Triangle, prompting both nations to reinforce military presence along disputed sections of their 820-kilometer frontier.
The JBC talks, led by Thai delegation head Prasas Prasasvinitchai, focused on technical matters within the commission's mandate, including the use of terrain survey technologies.
Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura described the atmosphere as constructive, with both sides engaging in open dialogue.
However, contentious issues remained unresolved.
Cambodia has formally submitted a case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning four disputed areas, including the Ta Moan Thom and Ta Moan Toch temples.
Thailand reiterated its longstanding position of not recognizing the ICJ's jurisdiction in this matter, emphasizing the preference for resolving disputes through existing bilateral mechanisms such as the JBC and diplomatic channels.
The meeting is scheduled to continue through June 15, with both parties expressing hope for a peaceful resolution.
