Cambodia and Thailand agree on concrete steps to implement ceasefire at special GBC meeting in Koh Kong

Cambodia and Thailand agree on concrete steps to implement ceasefire at special GBC meeting in Koh Kong

The Kingdom of Cambodia and the Kingdom of Thailand have reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability along their shared border, following the 1st Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) held on Wednesday September 10, 2025 in Koh Kong province. The meeting was co-chaired by H.E. General Tea Seiha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Cambodia, and H.E. General Nattaphon Narkphanit, Acting Minister of Defence of Thailand.

The talks built upon the outcomes of the Extraordinary GBC Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on 7 August 2025 and the four subsequent rounds of Regional Border Committee discussions last month. Both delegations agreed on a series of practical measures to de-escalate tensions and to fully implement the ceasefire agreement.

One of the most notable outcomes was the decision to withdraw heavy and destructive weapons to normal military installations, with both sides committing to develop within three weeks a step-by-step action plan, to be monitored and verified by the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT). While awaiting the formal establishment of the AOT, both countries agreed to continue utilizing the Interim Observer Team (IOT) to ensure effective ceasefire implementation.

The meeting also stressed the importance of regular communication between military units on both sides of the border, in order to build mutual trust and prevent clashes. Leaders from both delegations emphasized the need to combat misinformation and harmful rhetoric, highlighting that easing public tensions is crucial for sustainable peace.

As a humanitarian gesture, both parties agreed to return captured soldiers “at an appropriate time” in line with international humanitarian law, including Article 118 of the Third Geneva Convention of 1949.

Another key area of agreement was on humanitarian demining cooperation. Within one week, Cambodia and Thailand will establish a Joint Coordinating Task Force, with the participation of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) and the Thailand Mine Action Centre (TMAC). The task force will set priorities and identify pilot demining areas within one month, aiming to protect civilian lives and promote socio-economic development.

On border management and security, the two sides pledged to strengthen cooperation against cross-border crimes such as arms, drug, human and wildlife trafficking, forced labour, smuggling, and illegal crossings. The Ministries of Interior and National Police of both countries have been tasked with drafting a joint action plan to address these challenges in line with humanitarian principles and national laws.

Both sides also reaffirmed the role of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) as the key mechanism to address survey and demarcation issues, with the shared goal of improving the livelihoods of border communities.

The meeting further noted Japan’s proposal to consider reopening border checkpoints for essential goods transportation to maintain critical supply chains.

In closing, Deputy Prime Minister Tea Seiha reiterated Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to peace and cooperation:

“Cambodia firmly upholds its commitment to maintaining and enhancing peace, stability, and cooperation with all neighboring and friendly countries,” he said.

The parties agreed to convene the Second Special GBC Meeting within 30 days, with Thailand as the host.