Cambodia Requests Thai Counterpart to Resume Boundary Work Under JBC Framework

PHNOM PENH, Feb 1, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) has formally asked its Thai counterpart to resume technical boundary work in line with a Joint Declaration signed on Dec 27, 2025, government spokesperson Pen Bona said Sunday.

Cambodia proposed that both sides dispatch a Joint Survey Team to place temporary markers along two boundary segments between Pillars 42–47 and 52–59 on any suitable date between Feb 9 and 13.

The Cambodian side also called for the 12th meeting of the Cambodian–Thai Operational Group and the 5th meeting of the Cambodian–Thai Joint Technical Sub-Commission in the second week of February. These mechanisms operate under the JBC framework and are consistent with the minutes of previous meetings, Bona said.

At the same time, the Cambodian JBC lodged a protest over what it described as Thai military actions destroying homes and property of Cambodian citizens and preventing their return.

It also objected to activities altering the border environment, saying they contravened Article 5 of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding and provisions of the Joint Statement from the 3rd Special General Border Committee meeting last December.

Cambodia rejected Thai statements suggesting demarcation and abatement work could not proceed until mine clearance was completed under another mechanism. Survey, demarcation, and abatement tasks fall under JBC procedures, Phnom Penh stressed, citing Article 3 of the 2000 MOU and Article 2.4 of the 2003 Terms of Reference.

Reiterating its position, Cambodia said the international boundary with Thailand is based on historical documents, maps, and agreements recognized under international law.

The country will continue to pursue surveying and demarcation “at the earliest opportunity” to achieve lasting peace along the border and will not recognize any alteration of the boundary resulting from the use of force.