Are Cambodia and Thailand Resolving Border Conflicts After Skirmish?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, Cambodia and Thailand are engaging in discussions to resolve border disputes following recent military clashes. This historic meeting marks the first in over a decade, as both nations navigate tensions stemming from territorial disagreements. Will this JBC meeting pave the way for lasting peace?
Key Takeaways
- First JBC meeting in 12 years.
- Meeting convened after military clashes.
- Four disputed areas identified.
- Potential ICJ involvement.
- Commitment to diplomacy over conflict.
Phnom Penh, June 14 (NationPress) A meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) took place in the capital city of Cambodia on Saturday to address border-related issues following a recent military confrontation.
The session was co-led by Lam Chea, who oversees Cambodia's State Secretariat of Border Affairs, and Prasas Prasasvinitchai, a former Thai ambassador to Cambodia and advisor on border matters for Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Journalists were granted a few moments to capture images and footage of the meeting before being requested to vacate the premises, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.
This assembly was called after soldiers from both nations engaged in brief gunfire in the Mom Bei area, also known as the Emerald Triangle, on May 28, leading to the death of a Cambodian soldier.
The Emerald Triangle is a region that shares borders with Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet mentioned in a post on his official Facebook account on Friday evening that this was the first JBC meeting in 12 years.
He indicated that during the JBC discussion, Cambodia would invite Thailand to present four contested border areas—Mom Bei, Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, and Ta Krabei Temple—to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.
"I want to reassure my fellow citizens that even if the Thai side declines or remains silent, Cambodia will move forward unilaterally," stated Hun Manet.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is set to dispatch an official letter to the ICJ on Sunday, June 15, 2025, concerning the disputes in these four regions," he added.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the efforts by both Cambodia and Thailand to engage in dialogue over border disputes. This meeting signifies a positive step towards peace, reflecting both nations' commitment to resolving conflicts through diplomacy rather than military action.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the recent JBC meeting?
The meeting was convened following a military clash on May 28, where soldiers from both countries exchanged gunfire, resulting in a Cambodian soldier's death.
What areas are being disputed?
The disputed areas include Mom Bei, Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, and Ta Krabei Temple.
What is the role of the International Court of Justice in this matter?
Cambodia intends to invite Thailand to bring the disputed areas to the International Court of Justice for resolution.
How long has it been since the last JBC meeting?
This meeting marks the first Joint Boundary Commission meeting in 12 years.
What did Prime Minister Hun Manet say about Cambodia's position?
He asserted that Cambodia will proceed unilaterally to the ICJ if Thailand does not engage in the discussions.
