Bangkok: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated its commitment to resolving the Thai-Cambodian border issue peacefully, in accordance with Thai and international laws. The Ministry’s spokesperson, Mr. Nikorndej Plangoon, disclosed that a meeting was held with executives, chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Maris Sengiampong, to discuss strategies for addressing the boundary conflict and preparing for an upcoming Joint Border Committee (JBC) meeting.
According to Thai News Agency, the focus of the meeting was to protect sovereignty and territory while ensuring a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The Ministry aims to utilize various mechanisms, including the JBC, the General Border Committee (GBC), and the Regional Border Committee (RBC), to maintain peace and order along the border. The JBC, in particular, will play a crucial role in surveying and defining the border.
The discussion highlighted the importance of using these committees to reduce tensions and promote peaceful coexistence between Thailand and Cambodia. It was also noted that the government has released a second statement to affirm its proactive stance in resolving the issue. Thailand remains committed to engaging with Cambodia at all levels, emphasizing its role as a neighboring country and a member of the ASEAN family, especially in the context of celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations.
The Ministry urged media members to avoid speculative reporting that could exacerbate tensions, citing incidents such as the alleged discovery of landmines and inaccurate reports of Cambodia’s non-attendance at the JBC meeting. The Ministry clarified that Cambodia’s decision to refer disputes over sensitive areas to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will be addressed through bilateral discussions, as Thailand does not recognize the ICJ’s jurisdiction.
Regarding the 200-meter encroachment issue, Mr. Nikorndej acknowledged the encroachment in a no-man’s land area, emphasizing that it does not fall within the defined border. The JBC mechanism is being employed to address this matter, which involves overlapping points yet to be fully resolved.