Thailand says internal procedures delay Cambodia border talks; Cambodia urges resumption

Phnom Penh, Jan.13,2026 (KPT)—Thailand said it needs time to complete internal procedures before resuming negotiations with Cambodia on land boundary demarcation.

The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs told local media on 12 January 2026 that while Bangkok is ready to continue meetings of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), talks cannot begin until after the formation of a new government following Thailand’s general election on 8 February.

Officials noted the new administration may not be in place for several months. Once procedures are finalized, Thailand plans to propose meeting dates and an agenda to Cambodia.

Cambodia had requested an urgent JBC meeting in early January in Siem Reap to continue joint surveying and boundary marker work, following the signing of a third ceasefire agreement by the General Border Committee (GBC) on 27 December 2025.

Cambodia’s Secretariat of Border Affairs said discussions would focus on boundary pillars in Banteay Meanchey and Battambang provinces, as well as other agreed sections along the frontier.

It reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to historical treaties and past JBC accords, stressing the country “will not recognize any alteration of the boundary resulting from the use of force.”

In a separate statement, Cambodia urged Thailand to resume bilateral talks after Bangkok postponed the special JBC meeting.

Officials said the proposed discussions aimed to address alleged activities by Thai military forces that violate Cambodia’s sovereignty, including laying barbed wire, erecting flags, digging trenches, destroying homes, and preventing residents from returning to their properties.

Cambodia also called for the resumption of joint survey and demarcation work along sensitive segments in Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, and Pursat provinces, particularly in areas between key boundary pillars and crossings where temporary markers have yet to be installed.