Hun Manet Calls for Faster JBC Process in Informal Talks With Thai PM

Hun Manet Calls for Faster JBC Process in Informal Talks With Thai PM

PHNOM PENH, June 19, 2026 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said there was no need at this stage to discuss reopening land border crossings with Thailand, after holding an informal meeting with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul during the ASEAN-Russia Summit in Kazan, Russia.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Hun Manet said he had reiterated Cambodia’s position on resolving border issues with Thailand, stressing that discussions on reopening land border crossings were unnecessary “at this time.”

Hun Manet said Cambodia remained committed to resolving border disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law.

On the maritime boundary, he said both countries should continue the compulsory conciliation process under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which Cambodia and Thailand are currently undertaking.

Regarding the land boundary, Hun Manet said Cambodia continued to support resolving outstanding issues through the existing bilateral Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) mechanism and in accordance with existing agreements.

He also urged Thailand to appoint its JBC chairperson and begin joint border survey and demarcation work as soon as possible, in line with Point 3 of the Joint Statement signed by both countries on Dec. 27, 2025.

The Facebook post came a day after Anutin disclosed that he and Hun Manet had held a brief informal conversation on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia meeting in Kazan, where both leaders reaffirmed their preference for resolving bilateral issues through peaceful and diplomatic mechanisms. Anutin had also said he did not raise the issue of reopening border crossings because “Thai people would be furious.”