No Progress on Territorial Issues
The two-day Joint Boundary Commission meeting between Thailand and Cambodia ended on June 15, 2025, in Phnom Penh without resolving their ongoing territorial dispute. The talks, aimed at easing tensions following a recent border clash, highlighted persistent disagreements over contested areas along their shared border.
Clash Sparks Urgent Dialogue
Chong Bok Skirmish Triggers Talks
The meeting was prompted by a May 28, 2025, skirmish in the Chong Bok area of Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province, where Cambodian troops violated a no-man’s-land agreement by establishing a military base and trench. After Thailand’s border measures, Cambodian forces withdrew, but the incident underscored the need for diplomatic resolution.
Negotiations Remain Stalled
Cambodia Pushes for ICJ Involvement
Despite Thailand’s proposal to address the dispute through the JBC, no concrete agreements were reached. Cambodia, meanwhile, escalated the issue by requesting the International Court of Justice to rule on Chong Bok and three other disputed areas, a move Thailand has not acknowledged in the JBC discussions.
Future Talks Scheduled
Thailand to Host Next Meeting
Both nations agreed to continue negotiations through the JBC, with Thailand set to host a special session in September 2025. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the JBC’s role as a vital mechanism for addressing border challenges, expressing hope that ongoing talks will reduce tensions along the 800-kilometer frontier.
Disputes Over Maps Persist
Cambodia Rejects Thailand’s Map
Cambodia criticized Thailand’s proposed borderline map, advocating for 1:200,000 scale maps based on the 1904 Franco-Siamese Convention and 1907 Treaty. Thailand’s Foreign Ministry refuted claims that such maps were discussed, highlighting a fundamental disagreement on the framework for border demarcation.
Leadership and Diplomacy Tested
Key Figures Lead Delegations
The Thai delegation was headed by Prasas Prasasvinitchai, a former ambassador to Phnom Penh, while Cambodia’s team was led by Lam Chea, Minister of Border Affairs. Despite a reportedly positive atmosphere, the lack of progress underscores the complexity of resolving historical border disputes through bilateral channels.
