Cambodia’s border talks may wait for Thailand’s new government

The Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting proposed by Cambodia may have to wait until a new government is installed in Thailand after the February 8 election, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said today.

This is due to a legal technicality that forbids an acting government from entering into agreements or treaties legally binding on the incoming administration, he added.

Last week, the State Secretariat of Border Affairs of Cambodia (SSBA) proposed that the JBC meeting be held during the first week of January to discuss and continue surveying and demarcating areas in Sa Kaeo province between KM 42–47 and KM 33–37 border markers.

According to Sihasak, Thailand is not delaying border demarcation. He explained that the incumbent administration under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is an acting government and, according to Thai law, cannot enter into agreements or treaties that would legally bind the new government.

He also noted that the outcome of the General Border Committee meeting held in Chanthaburi has not yet been considered by the Thai cabinet.

However, he emphasized that the most important priority is ensuring the safety of the border areas before the two sides can undertake joint demarcation.

Regarding the planned release of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war after the expiry of the 72-hour conditional ceasefire at noon today, the foreign minister insisted that Thailand will honor its commitments, provided Cambodia ceases all hostilities toward Thailand within the 72-hour period.

He added that if the conditional ceasefire proceeds smoothly without hostilities, the two countries can continue mine clearance, border demarcation, and trust-building measures.

Commenting on Cambodian strongman Hun Sen’s recent statement that Cambodia will not recognize territorial gains by Thailand, Sihasak said the context regarding border demarcation has changed.

Speaking about his recent meeting with Cambodia’s Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn in Yunnan province, Sihasak reaffirmed that China recognizes the Thai-Cambodian border conflict as a bilateral issue and is acting only as a facilitator in the peace talks.

“China provided us the venue and a conducive atmosphere for talks,” Sihasak said. The meeting was hosted by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi following a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters after briefing Bangkok-based diplomats, he emphasized that China’s role is limited to facilitation.

“China recognizes that it cannot force the pace. We have to go at a pace that is comfortable for both countries,” he said.

Sihasak acknowledged that the agreed 72-hour ceasefire was fragile and stressed the need for real confidence-building measures to make it sustainable.

He added that Thailand and Cambodia will consider a step-by-step approach in restoring diplomatic relations. The two countries downgraded their relations and recalled their ambassadors at the outset of the conflict in July.