Thai delegation reaffirms commitment to professionalism in JBC talks with Cambodia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Thailand’s representatives to the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) are fully prepared to perform their duties to the best of their abilities, adhering to professional principles and prioritizing the benefits of the country and its people.

The Ministry also highlighted that 119 countries worldwide do not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to resolving issues through bilateral negotiations between the two countries.

Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information and spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed the evolving situation of the Thai-Cambodian border ahead of the upcoming JBC meeting in Phnom Penh on June 14, 2025.

During the press event on Thursday, Nikorndej explained that Thailand has organized a JBC meeting in preparation for the upcoming talks. Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa has already set out the policy for negotiations, emphasizing three key principles that will guide the Thai delegation: reducing tension and promoting peaceful coexistence for the people in the affected areas, ensuring clearer boundary demarcations leading to a sustainable resolution, and standing firm on protecting Thailand’s sovereignty, refusing to allow any loss of territory.He also reiterated that Thailand is committed to using bilateral mechanisms to resolve conflicts, as this is the most effective and widely accepted method in international practice. When two countries have differing views, the international community supports resolving the matter through bilateral agreements and mechanisms already in place, as they involve the direct stakeholders.

The spokesperson confirmed that the Thai delegation is fully prepared to perform their duties with the necessary expertise and professionalism. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to prioritizing the country’s and the Thai people's interests. The ministry will continuously update the public on the progress and outcomes of the JBC meetings to ensure accurate information and address any concerns arising from social media reports.Regarding Cambodia's intention to take the issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the spokesperson reiterated Thailand's long-standing position of not accepting the ICJ's jurisdiction, a stance Thailand has held since 1960. He emphasized that Thailand, along with 118 other countries, does not recognize the ICJ’s authority. This represents more than half of the United Nations’ member states. Thailand remains committed to resolving the dispute through bilateral mechanisms, as originally agreed upon with Cambodia, he said.

Nikorndej stressed that Thailand will leverage the existing bilateral mechanisms in negotiating with the Cambodian side in good faith, namely the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), the General Border Committee (GBC) and the Regional Border Committee (RBC). There is in addition another important document that has been already agreed upon by Thailand and Cambodia, which is the MOU on the Survey and Demarcation of Land Boundary signed in 2000. This MOU provides a legal framework for the task as clearly stated by the title itself. Thailand sincerely hopes the Cambodian side will reciprocate by engaging with Thailand through these bilateral mechanisms as both sides have agreed.

The spokesperson also revealed that one of the key provisions of MOU 2000 is to facilitate the joint survey of the land boundary effectively, and both parties are required to refrain from any actions that could alter the environment of the border area. Currently, the work under the JBC and MOU 2000 is in the process of verifying, repairing, and establishing 73 boundary markers, with many tasks still pending. The Thai JBC delegation was appointed by the Cabinet on November 29, 2024, and consists of experts from various agencies with significant expertise. The Chairman of the Thai delegation is Prasas Prasasvinitchai, a former Ambassador to Phnom Penh and Border Affairs Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Other high-ranking commissioners include representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, the Royal Thai Army, and other relevant security agencies, all of whom will attend the JBC meeting.

On the Cambodian side, the Chairman of the JBC is Lam Chea, Minister in Charge of the State Secretariat of Border Affairs of Cambodia.

(2025/06/13-00:00)