Today’s August 16 Cambodia-Thailand Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting saw both sides agree on importance of closer communication, while Cambodia called for Thai forces to halt the installation of barbed wire on Cambodian territory.
The meeting, held in Trat Province, Thailand, was led by Lieutenant General Uy Hieng, commander of Cambodia’s Military Region 3, and Vice Admiral Aphichat Sapprasert, commander of Thailand’s Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defence.
A Military Region 3 press release explained that both sides agreed in principle to establish a Coordination Group (CG) to strengthen relations at all levels, including commanders, border liaison teams, border-deployed forces, and operational units along the border. The group will seek to resolve issues peacefully and avoid confrontations.
Mine clearance was also discussed, with Cambodia reiterating that progress depends on the full implementation of the ceasefire and the restoration of normalcy along the border.
“As border demarcation is ongoing, mine clearance can only be considered in areas with clearly defined or undisputed boundaries, as agreed by the Joint Border Committee (JBC) of both countries,” said the release.
It noted that the army region commander lacks a mandate to decide on this matter, suggesting the issue be discussed at the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting.
Cambodia also highlighted the need to avoid actions that could inadvertently escalate tensions, including the installation of barbed wire barricades, the destruction of existing infrastructure — especially people’s homes — and the spread of false or misleading information.
“Such actions undermine trust and hinder efforts to create an environment of stability and peace,” it explained the statement.
Both sides expressed goodwill to swiftly restore normal relations across all sectors, fostering trust and confidence to reduce negative impacts on the lives and livelihoods of citizens in both countries.
Although combating online scams is unrelated to the ceasefire, Thailand raised the issue during the RBC meeting. Cambodia responded that it would be raised at the upcoming GBC meeting.
Since August 12, Thai soldiers have installed barbed wire barricades in several locations, particularly in Banteay Meanchey province’s Ou Chrov district and near the Poipet international checkpoint.
