Cambodia, Thailand Hold Technical Talks Ahead of High-Level Border Meeting

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct. 22, 2025) — Cambodian and Thai secretariat teams continued technical discussions Wednesday morning in Kuala Lumpur, preparing for the second Special General Border Committee (GBC) meeting scheduled for Oct. 23.

The working-level GBC Secretariat meeting, which began at 9 a.m., marked the third consecutive day of talks focused on finalizing key documents to support the August ceasefire agreement and build mutual trust.

“These documents serve as inputs to support the effectiveness of the ceasefire agreement between both parties,” said Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, spokeswoman for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence.

Prime Minister Hun Manet acknowledged the ongoing efforts in a social media post on Oct. 22, writing: “The Secretariat teams are continuing their in-depth discussions on key documents that serve as inputs to promote the effectiveness, mutual trust, and confidence-building in implementing the ceasefire agreement between both parties.”

Meanwhile, the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) held its plenary session in Chanthaburi province, hosted by Thailand. Led by Lam Chea, minister in charge of the General Secretariat of the National Authority for Border Affairs, the Cambodian delegation includes officials from relevant ministries and border provinces.

The two-day session, held Oct. 21–22, focused on land border demarcation and reinforcing cooperation under existing frameworks.

These forums—including the GBC, JBC, and Regional Border Committee (RBC)—are part of long-standing mechanisms designed to manage military tensions, address security concerns, and promote peaceful coordination along the Cambodia–Thailand border.

The latest round of talks comes amid renewed friction between the two neighbors over unresolved territorial disputes and increased military activity in several contested areas. Both sides have expressed a commitment to dialogue and de-escalation.

Defense Minister Tea Seiha said he expects “fruitful outcomes” from Thursday’s high-level GBC meeting. He emphasized the importance of a friendly and constructive approach rooted in mutual respect and previous agreements.

Key agenda items include the removal of heavy weapons under ASEAN Observer Team supervision, humanitarian demining, and enhanced cooperation to combat transnational crimes such as online scams.

“This meeting is an important step toward strengthening peace, cooperation, and development along the border,” Seiha said. “We are committed to ensuring a swift return to normalcy in all areas of concern.”