Cambodian Governor Urges Thai Counterpart to Uphold Border Agreement Commitments

BANTEAY MEANCHEY, Cambodia (Sept.25, 2025) — Banteay Meanchey Provincial Governor Oum Reatrey on Thursday called on Thai authorities to uphold the spirit of the General Border Committee (GBC) special meeting held earlier this month, amid rising tensions over disputed areas along the Cambodia–Thailand border.

Reatrey’s appeal followed a lack of response from the Governor of Sa Kaeo Province to an official invitation dated Sept. 23 for a working-level meeting between the two provincial administrations.

The invitation came in the wake of Thai military spokespersons, provincial officials, and media outlets disseminating satellite maps and border layouts in Prey Chan and Chouk Chey villages, which Cambodian officials say misrepresent the situation on the ground.

“These maps reflect unilateral interpretations and unofficial lines that do not correspond with the reality of Thai occupation within Cambodian territory,” Reatrey said, referring to areas between border markers 42 to 47.

He stressed that resolving such complex issues requires strict adherence to past agreements, including the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding and decisions made by the GBC and the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).

Reatrey also emphasized that provincial administrations lack the constitutional authority to decide on territorial matters, which must be approved by national parliaments and heads of state.

He urged Sa Kaeo officials to coordinate closely and avoid unilateral actions that could endanger local communities or escalate the dispute.