Delegations from the 5th Military Region of Cambodia and the First Army Region of Thailand held a Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting this morning, to determine peaceful solutions to issues on the frontier and prevent misunderstandings that could lead to further clashes.
They also touched on problems such as online scams, other transnational crimes and the installation of razor wire barrier that have blocked Cambodians’ access to their homes.
According to a press release from the 5th Military Region, both sides agreed to maintain regular communication between headquarters and units along the Cambodia-Thailand border, while striving to resolve all issues peacefully and avoid conflict.
The meeting was held in Sa Kaeo Province, Thailand, with the delegations led by Cambodian Lieutenant General Ek Sam Aun, commander of the 5th Military Region, and Thai Lieutenant General Amarit Boonsuya, commander of the First Army Area. Both sides highlighted the positive developments and progress achieved in promoting cooperation across all sectors to restore normality.
They agreed to establish a Coordination Group (CG) aimed at resolving issues peacefully and preventing clashes, and they considered the possibility of creating a Township Border Committee (TBC) involving state and private institutions to strengthen cooperation across all sectors.
Before the CG and TBC are established, local commanders from both sides will meet, weekly or as needed, to address issues within their respective areas of responsibility.
“Both sides reaffirmed their willingness to cooperate and collaborate in combating and preventing transnational crimes, including call centre operations (online scams), drug trafficking, human trafficking, weapons trafficking and other cross-border criminal activities, by exploring clear and practical cooperation through existing frameworks,” said the release.
These issues will be further discussed at the next General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, scheduled to take place soon. The issue of landmines along the border will also be addressed by the GBC, according to the release.
“During the meeting, both sides discussed seeking practical measures to address issues such as the laying of razor wire and car tyres barricades, as well as other obstacles, with the aim of reducing difficulties faced by local communities, facilitating the safe return of citizens to their homes and minimising the impact on their livelihoods as quickly as possible,” it added.
Both sides agreed to organize the next meeting within one month.
