Cambodia urges renewed border talks with Thailand

PHNOM PENH, March 27, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has called on Thailand to resume technical negotiations over their disputed frontier, stressing its commitment to international law and peaceful settlement amid renewed tensions.

In a statement dated March 25, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said a March 19 declaration by a joint Thai-Cambodian information body reflected principles Phnom Penh has “consistently upheld,” including dialogue and non-violence.

The ministry reaffirmed that the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) remains the key mechanism for defining the border. It cited a December 2025 meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC), which urged the resumption of survey and demarcation work.

Cambodia said it was ready to restart those efforts immediately, using early 20th-century treaties and maps as reference, to prevent future clashes and secure long-term stability.

The statement underscored the role of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), calling its presence “essential” to verify compliance and build trust.

Phnom Penh also pledged to strengthen direct communication channels to counter misinformation and ensure talks are based on “verifiable facts.”

As an ASEAN member, Cambodia said it remained prepared to engage Thailand through the JBC, GBC and Regional Border Committee (RBC).

It urged a shift from “diplomatic expressions” to concrete action, describing full activation of these frameworks as the most practical path to lasting peace and shared prosperity.