Cambodia and Thailand agreed to remove heavy weapons and strengthen cooperation on border security following the 1st Special Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting, held on September 10 in Koh Kong province.
While the first meeting was hailed as a step toward peace and stability, the second meeting, scheduled for September 27, has been put on hold until October.
A September 25 Ministry of National Defence statement confirmed that both sides would withdraw heavy weapons to their regular locations, under an action plan which will be monitored by the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT).
“This work will be carried out effectively, transparently and in an atmosphere of mutual trust,” it said.
Phnom Penh and Bangkok have already exchanged draft terms of reference for the observer mission.
On September 20, Cambodia submitted a revised draft to Thai side and is awaiting feedback, added the ministry.
The two governments also pledged to expand cooperation against transnational crime.
A new joint task force between the Cambodian Ministry of Interior and the Royal Thai Police will target cross-border criminal activities, including online scams.
The Cambodian side was represented by Deputy Commissioner-General Seang Thareth, while Thailand’s delegation was led by General Thatchai Pitanealaboot.
Progress was also noted on humanitarian demining operations.
“The Cambodia–Thailand Joint Coordinating Task Force (JCTF) held its first meeting via video conference on September 24, with both parties agreeing on draft standard operating procedures for clearing mines and unexploded ordnance along the border,” said the statement.
On September 17, the governors of Banteay Meanchey and Sa Kaeo met to discuss peaceful management of border issues.
Later, on September 23, Banteay Meanchey governor Oum Reatrey invited his Sa Kaeo counterpart to a follow-up meeting on September 25, at the Poipet Border Gate to address disputes in Prey Chan and Chok Chey villages.
However, Thai media reported that the Thai side refused to attend.
Defence minister General Tea Seiha wrote to his Thai counterpart Nattaphon Nakphanik on September 18 and 21, urging action against statements made and measures taken by the Sa Kaeo governor. He described them as contradicting the spirit of the 1st Special General Border Committee Meeting.
