Cambodia Proposes April Talks to Resolve Border Disputes
Cambodian Minister in charge of State Secretariat of Border Affairs Lam Chea, right, shakes hands with Thai Border Affairs Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Prasas Prasasvinitchai, left, during a meeting of the Cambodian-Thai joint commission on demarcation for land boundary in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
PHNOM PENH, April 7, 2026 — Cambodia has called on Thailand to urgently resume joint border talks and field surveys, while reiterating its rejection of any unilateral changes to the boundary line.
In a statement, the State Secretariat of Border Affairs said it had repeatedly proposed convening a special meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), but that the Thai side had delayed participation, citing internal procedures.
The Cambodian side renewed its proposal through a diplomatic note dated April 7, urging both sides to hold a special JBC meeting in Siem Reap between April 17 and 22.
It also called for the deployment of joint survey teams to resume demarcation work and the installation of temporary markers along several contested border segments, including areas in Banteay Meanchey and Battambang provinces.
Further proposals include replacing previously agreed boundary pillars and conducting additional surveys in key zones such as O Smach and other sensitive areas, in line with existing bilateral agreements.
Cambodia also suggested holding follow-up technical and operational meetings in early May to advance the process.
The statement reaffirmed Cambodia’s “firm stance” against what it described as illegal occupation and violations of its territorial integrity, while rejecting any boundary changes resulting from the use of force.
It stressed that the border must be respected in accordance with international law, historical treaties and previously agreed maps and documents.
Phnom Penh said it remains committed to resolving border issues peacefully through established mechanisms, while urging Thailand to engage constructively and adhere to prior agreements.
