Cambodia urges resumption of Joint Border Surveys despite JBC meeting delay
Technical survey teams are requested to resume installing temporary markers between Boundary Pillars 42-47 and 52-59, following a halt in December. AKP
#National
The State Secretariat of Border Affairs (SSBA) has announced that the special meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), which Cambodia had proposed to hold in Siem Reap during the second or third week of January 2026, has been postponed for a second time at the Thai side’s request.
According to the Secretariat, the postponement was requested to allow Thailand to complete internal procedures for appointing a new JBC composition following the formation of a new Cabinet after the general election scheduled for early February.
While awaiting the special JBC meeting, Cambodia has requested the resumption of joint technical fieldwork in accordance with the Agreed Minutes of the October 22, 2025, Special JBC Meeting in Chanthaburi province.
In a diplomatic note dated January 13, Cambodia called on Thailand to send Joint Survey Teams to resume joint surveys and to place temporary markers along the boundary segments between Boundary Pillars No. 42-47 and No. 52-59 on a suitable date between January 19 and 23.
The Secretariat said that work on these segments started in November 2025 but was temporarily halted on December 8 due to acts of aggression against Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Cambodia also requested that Joint Survey Teams be dispatched between January 26 and 30, 2026 to replace 15 boundary pillars at locations already agreed upon by both sides, in accordance with original specifications.
The SSBA reaffirmed that all fieldwork would be conducted in full compliance with agreed procedures, technical instructions, and relevant bilateral agreements. It reiterated Cambodia’s firm position in safeguarding the international boundary in accordance with international law, historical treaties, and mutually recognised documents, and stressed that Cambodia will not recognise any alteration of the boundary line resulting from the use of force.
The Secretariat called on compatriots and the general public to place trust in the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Cambodian JBC, which it said remain committed to professionalism, responsibility, and the protection of national sovereignty and territorial integrity. AKP
