Bangkok: A government spokesperson announced that the upcoming Thailand-Cambodia Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting has been strategically planned to prevent any potential loss of territorial benefits to Thailand. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also preparing to expedite discussions on amending the Terms of Reference (TOR) to incorporate radar technology for precise mapping.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, the Government Spokesperson, alongside Mr. Benjamin Sukanjanatti, Director-General of the Treaties and Legal Affairs Department, and Rear Admiral Surasan Kongsiri, Ministry of Defense Spokesperson, revealed the framework for the special bilateral meeting of the JBC scheduled for October 20-21. Mr. Siripong emphasized that the meetings, including the Regional Border Committee (RBC), General Border Committee (GBC), and the JBC, are the result of strategic discussions to maximize national benefits.
The meetings will include a defense minister level meeting in Malaysia on October 20-22 and the JBC meeting on October 21-22 in Thailand. Concerns about the risk of canceling the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the JBC meeting were addressed by Nansiripong, who highlighted the importance of the situation at Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaeo. He noted the use of RAIDA technology to improve boundary line resolution, comparing it to a map ratio of 1 to 20,000.
Mr. Siripong clarified that no particular map has been accepted, but revenue photographs will be used for assessments, aiming for a joint agreement with Cambodia. Areas with agreements can proceed, while discussions will continue where agreements have not been reached. He addressed public concerns about negotiations despite encroachments on Thai territory, explaining that the government's duty is to push for resolution, while unresolved areas remain under negotiation.
Regarding potential mass protests during the JBC meeting, Mr. Siripong urged public assurance that actions taken are for national benefit. He emphasized the importance of lawful, peaceful assemblies and maintained that public expression should not disrupt order.
Mr. Benjamin stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs, will hold an extraordinary JBC meeting in Chanthaburi Province, chaired by Mr. Prasarn Prasarnvinitchai for Thailand and Mr. Lam Chea for Cambodia. The focus will be on border issues, following up on the June meeting in Phnom Penh, to ensure consistency with GBC and RBC platforms and advance Thailand's national interests.
The meeting will discuss the expedited revision of the 2003 TOR to include RIDAR technology for mapping and urgent border demarcation areas. The JBC aims to reinforce Thailand's peaceful resolution of the border dispute with Cambodia through bilateral mechanisms, with a press conference to announce outcomes.
Rear Admiral Surasan noted that a more rigorous plan will be developed at the GBC meeting in Kuala Lumpur on October 23, including cooperation with Cambodia on heavy weapon withdrawal from border areas. The meeting will also define demining areas and timeframes, demonstrating joint efforts to address issues, with Malaysia and the United States as witnesses and outsiders invited to observe.