Thai FM rejects Cambodia’s proposal for JBC talks this month

Thailand has turned down Cambodia’s invitation for a Joint Border Commission (JBC) meeting between April 17 and 25, saying that with a new administration having just taken office, it is not yet ready for such a meeting, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said today.

He explained that some changes need to be made to the composition of the Thai delegation to the JBC, a process that is still underway and will require approval.

He made it clear that he will not chair the Thai team on the commission, adding that it should be led by a legal expert well versed in domestic and international law, as well as border demarcation issues.

Sihasak said, however, that he may have a chance meeting with his Cambodian counterpart during the ASEAN Summit in May.

The foreign minister confirmed that Thailand intends to withdraw from MoU 44 with Cambodia, and that the Foreign Ministry will submit its proposal to the National Security Council and then to the Cabinet for final approval.

Regarding MoU 43, he said the matter needs to be handled cautiously and in consultation with relevant agencies to reach a consensus on how to proceed with the important document.

Sihasak added that the Thai government has been informed by France that the Thai-Cambodian border treaties and related documents, signed between Siam and the French colonial administration, are not classified and are in the public domain, and are therefore available to both Cambodia and Thailand.