Cambodia urges urgent resumption of border demarcation with Thailand

PHNOM PENH, June 17, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has called for the urgent resumption of border demarcation and surveying work with Thailand, saying the process is essential to ensure displaced civilians can return home safely.

Government spokesman Pen Bona said Wednesday the work should restart “as soon as possible” through the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), in line with agreements already reached between the two countries.

“The priority is to allow civilians to return to their homes safely, freely and with dignity,” he said.

Bona reaffirmed Cambodia’s position that its international border is inherited from the Indochina–Siam Boundary Commission and must be respected under international law and the principle of uti possidetis juris.

He said Cambodia rejects any attempt to alter borders through force.
According to the General Border Committee, Cambodia sent another diplomatic note to Bangkok on June 15 requesting the deployment of Joint Survey Teams to resume field operations.

Officials said earlier requests had been delayed by Thai internal procedures, including elections, government formation and appointments within Thailand’s JBC leadership.

Cambodian authorities said the delays contradict commitments made at the October 2025 JBC meeting and the December 2025 General Border Committee statement, both of which prioritised rapid resumption of surveying work.

The Secretariat of Border Affairs said both sides had previously agreed to continue technical cooperation through Joint Survey Teams and related working groups.

It cited remarks by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in January 2026 that technical groups “can continue carrying out their work as usual.”

Cambodian officials also accused Thai forces of occupying disputed areas and attempting to create a “fait accompli” on the ground — claims that could not be independently verified.