RBC fails to reach ‘common ground’ after two days of talks

The Secretariat of the Cambodia-Thailand Regional Border Committee convenes at the Poipet International Border Checkpoint on Tuesday. Ministry of Defence

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Synopsis: Cambodia and Thailand cannot reach agreement after long hours of negotiations between the Secretariat of the Regional Border Committee. While both sides reiterate their commitment to de-escalation, a former Thai army commander fires the warning that fighting is ‘inevitable’ amid military build-ups and occupation.

Banteay Meanchey – Cambodia and Thailand failed to reach common ground after two days of tense talks under the Secretariat of the Cambodia-Thailand Regional Border Committee (RBC), with both sides agreeing to continue negotiations through document exchanges before a formal deal could be reached or a higher-level meeting could take place.

At the same time, a former commander of Thailand’s 2nd Army Area has warned that a third round of clashes between the two states is “inevitable”, pointing to what he described as clear signs of defensive preparations along the border.

Cambodia has reported Thai military build-ups along the frontier, including in areas and villages under Thai occupation following three weeks of Thai military assaults on Cambodia last December. The Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) noted the continued “unlawful actions” of Thai armed forces, including the destruction of Cambodian civilian homes in areas they have invaded and occupied, as well as the installation of fences to prevent the return of their rightful tenants.

In a statement yesterday, Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, spokeswoman for the Ministry of National Defence, said the Secretariat-level discussions concluded at 9am at the Poipet International Border Checkpoint, between Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province and Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province.

The meeting brought together representatives of Cambodia’s 5th Military Region and Thailand’s 1st Army Area. The Cambodian delegation was led by Major General Sar Kimpak, Chief of the RBC Secretariat, while the Thai side was headed by Major General Phittayakool Pothisuwan, Chairman of the RBC Secretariat.

The Secretariat of the RBC convened a two-day meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday under the oversight of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) from Cambodia and Thailand. During the sessions, both sides discussed key agenda items and exchanged documents in preparation for a Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand RBC.

The ministry said that as the two sides were unable to reach a consensus, they agreed to continue exchanging documents and negotiations after the meeting until common ground is achieved. Only then will a formal signing ceremony be held, followed by the special meeting of the RBC.

The ministry said the special RBC meeting was conducted in the spirit of the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) last December 27.

“Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fully implementing the results of that meeting, while continuing efforts to reduce border tensions and seeking practical cooperation to promote regional peace, stability and a swift return to normalcy,” Lt Gen Socheata said.

Speaking to Thai media, Lieutenant General Kanok Netrawatthanasena, a former deputy commander of Thailand’s 2nd Army Area, said a third round of fighting between Thailand and Cambodia is likely, citing signs of strengthened defensive preparations along the border.

Lt Gen Kanok, who previously commanded the Suranaree Task Force, said he believes further conflict is inevitable, pointing to what he described as clear indications of military fortification, including trench-digging and bunker construction.

He said the trenches appear to represent the initial phase of establishing a defensive line and remain unfinished. Once completed, soil would be piled in front of the trenches to provide protection from gunfire, he added.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Thai military forces are currently occupying Cambodian territory in four border provinces: Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Pursat.

In Banteay Meanchey province, Thai military forces have occupied six villages—four in Thma Puok district and two in O’Chrov district—while Thai troops have reportedly intensified the demolition of civilian homes, in addition to houses already heavily damaged by Thai military airstrikes and indiscriminate bombardment in December.

The Interior Ministry yesterday reported that 876 more displaced persons returned to their homes, bringing the total number of returnees to approximately 530,000, or about 83% of more than 640,000 displaced by the fighting.

It said 112,164 people remain in displacement camps, including 58,738 women and 36,686 children, with authorities continuing to prioritise assistance for those unable to return due to security and infrastructure concerns.

A number of schools and health facilities in border provinces remained closed. These include 14 schools and seven hospitals or health centres in Oddar Meanchey, five schools and a hospital in Banteay Meanchey, and 29 schools and 14 hospitals in Preah Vihear.

As the government’s lead institution for territorial administration, the Ministry of Interior said it is working with sub-national authorities and agencies to restore livelihoods and resume suspended public services, while ensuring protection and comprehensive support for displaced communities.

The ministry also released updated figures on damage to public infrastructure since December 7, 2025. Private property damaged includes 980 houses, 10 apartment or hotel buildings, four petrol stations, a private market, dozens of vehicles, warehouses, telecommunications towers and water facilities. Public infrastructure that has been damaged includes 26 schools, 14 hospitals or health centres, 42 government buildings, 19 pagodas, four ancient temples, five bridges, nearly 90 road sections and several electricity facilities. Assessments are ongoing, the ministry said.

The ministry expressed full support for Senate President Hun Sen, who has stated that Cambodia will not make any concessions that compromise its sovereignty or national dignity. It also reiterated its backing for the government led by Prime Minister Hun Manet, which it said is implementing the outcomes of the third Special General Border Committee meeting held on December 27, in line with international law.

-Khmer Times-