Cambodia and Thailand agreed in principle to establish a coordinating group (CG) to enhance communication at all levels, including between commanders, border liaison working groups, standing forces in the border areas, and operational units along the border, with the aim of resolving issues peacefully and avoiding clashes.
Following the Cambodia-Thailand Extraordinary Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting today, which was hosted by Thailand, both sides agreed to maintain regular communication between all army areas, military regions, and units along the border.
“Cambodia underscored the importance of avoiding actions that could inadvertently increase tensions, including the laying of barbed wire, destruction of existing infrastructure, particularly civilian residential structures and the dissemination of fake news or false information, as such developments risk eroding trust and undermining efforts to maintain a stable and peaceful environment,” according to the National Defense Ministry.
Recall that Cambodia alleged that the Thai side has tried “multiple ways” to cause trouble along the border including the building of the fence, shooting slingshots, use of “psychological warfare”, and “fabricated false information”. The latest incident occurred in Banteay Meanchey where the Thai military laid barbed wire and tires along the border.
During the meeting, Cambodia also reaffirmed the importance of advancing humanitarian demining, noting that the progress depends on the full implementation of the ceasefire and a return to normal along the border.
The statement mentioned that with border demarcation underway, demining can be considered in areas that are demarcated or in non-disputed areas, as agreed upon by the Joint Boundary Commissions (JBC) of the two countries.
It added that since the RBC does not have the mandate to make decisions on demining, this issue should be addressed at the upcoming GBC Meeting, which is scheduled to take place soon, as already agreed by both sides.
Cambodia stressed that it considers online gambling a serious issue, alongside with other forms of transnational crime. It has made significant efforts to combat them, and worked closely with ASEAN and other international partners, achieving tangible results.
Cambodia and Thailand have already cooperated in tackling online scams, and this issue can be further discussed at the upcoming GBC meeting, as both countries are equally affected.
“The details will be discussed in the next RBC Meeting. Both sides also agreed to convene another RBC Meeting within one month after the extraordinary meeting, with Cambodia as the host,” the ministry added.
