The Cambodian government has agreed to a proposal from Thailand to host the next meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission, or JBC, between the two countries. The meeting is scheduled to take place in the capital Phnom Penh on June 14, 2025, as the two sides continue efforts to resolve longstanding border disputes.
According to Fresh News, a pro-government outlet in Cambodia, foreign ministry spokesperson Chum Sounry confirmed that preparations are under way for the JBC meeting, which will focus on technical issues related to land border demarcation.
The spokesperson noted that Cambodia has officially informed its Thai counterpart of the meeting and reiterated the country’s position to settle border issues through peaceful means, using technical mechanisms and international law as guiding principles.
Officials said Cambodia remains firmly committed to protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity. At the same time, the country aims to transform border areas into zones of peace, friendship, cooperation and development, to benefit both nations and their people.
Speaking at a joint session of the National Assembly and Senate on June 2, Prime Minister Hun Manet instructed Cambodian officials to urgently convene the JBC meeting with Thailand in order to push forward with border demarcation efforts and resolve outstanding territorial concerns.
The Prime Minister also revealed that Cambodia is preparing an agenda for the JBC meeting that includes the potential submission of disputes over Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, Ta Krabei temples, and the Mom Bei area to the International Court of Justice.
Mr. Man Nat, chairman of the Cambodia Watchdog Council, told The Cambodia Daily that holding the JBC meeting is an appropriate step toward maintaining stability along the border and preventing further tensions. However, he emphasized that the commission does not have the authority to make final legal rulings on territorial disputes if Cambodia proceeds with a case at the International Court of Justice.
He added that alongside any legal proceedings against Thailand at the ICJ, Cambodia should also seek parliamentary approval to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS. This would pave the way for further legal action over overlapping maritime claims and the disputed island of Koh Kood.
Mr. Man Nat concluded by suggesting that Cambodia should consider escalating the dispute, step by step, to the Permanent Court of Arbitration, describing it as a competent international forum for resolving sovereignty-related conflicts between states.
