Cambodia’s National Defense Minister on Wednesday hailed the Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) as a success, citing agreements on the release of captured soldiers, border reopening, and demining—though analysts warned that Thailand may not fully implement the deal, urging the government to push for the swift establishment of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT).
The talks, held in Koh Kong province, were co-chaired by minister Tea Seiha and Nattaphon Narkphanit, Thailand’s Acting Minister of National Defense.
The meeting reviewed progress following the Extraordinary GBC session on August 7 in Malaysia and reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to peace and stability along their shared border after the ceasefire came into effect at midnight of July 28.
Seiha said both sides agreed that 18 Cambodian soldiers captured by Thai forces would be returned “as soon as possible, at an appropriate time” in accordance with Article 118 of the Third Geneva Convention. However, a political analyst warned that Thailand may not follow through, noting past failures to implement agreements despite international calls for the soldiers’ release, and stressed that while the AOT could help, Thailand appears to be “delaying its establishment”.
On September 9, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed that the soldiers, detained for 43 days, are safe and in good health. The ICRC also delivered family messages collected by the Cambodian Red Cross, with soldiers writing back in return, though the contents remain confidential.
Rous Nan, 24, whose husband Phan Kean is among the captured soldiers, told CamboJA News that she was relieved after receiving a message from him through the Cambodian Red Cross.
“Before, I was not aware of his well-being, but after being able to message him, I am excited, and long to read his message,” she said tearfully, adding that she hopes all the soldiers will return home soon.
The special GBC meeting also addressed restoring normalcy, with Japan urging both sides to reopen border checkpoints for the transport of essential goods to protect regional supply chains. Within a week, the two countries will set up a Joint Coordinating Task Force—including Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) and Thailand Mine Action Centre (TMAC)—to identify demining priorities.
Thailand has repeatedly accused Cambodia of planting landmines that injured Thai soldiers along the border in Oddar Meanchey, an allegation Cambodia strongly denies. According to the Thai government, the incident marked the sixth alleged case of newly planted landmines.
Meanwhile, both sides agreed to ease tensions by withdrawing heavy weapons and draft a joint action plan within three weeks under AOT supervision. They also approved the AOT’s Terms of Reference in principle and acknowledged the role of the Interim Observer Team (IOT) pending AOT establishment.
According to the Japanese Embassy, their government welcomed the special GBC meeting, noting progress on the establishment of the AOT, demining, and reopening of border crossings as key steps to implement the ceasefire. Japan urged both countries to continue abiding by the agreement and ease tensions through dialogue, emphasizing vital cooperation for regional peace and development.
Regional geopolitical observer Seng Vanly told CamboJA News that the outcome of the special GBC meeting signaled a positive step toward restoring normalcy and improving Cambodia–Thailand relations. However, he cautioned that the real test lies in implementation by the Thai military.
“If the Thai military consistently carries out what was agreed, bilateral relations—including cross-border trade—could improve,” he said. “But so far, many agreements have not been implemented, and Thailand continues to detain Cambodian soldiers despite calls from international organizations for their release.”
He added that Cambodia should push for the AOT to be established quickly, warning that delays could complicate oversight.
“The Thai side seems to be buying time until the end of the year, when Malaysia steps down as ASEAN chair and Philippines takes over, which may make it harder to move the AOT forward,” he said. He noted that the current agreement does not clearly define the AOT’s scope or duration, making rapid establishment even more critical.
He argued that a functioning AOT would provide stronger monitoring of the ceasefire and prevent Thailand from accusing Cambodia of violations.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Hun Manet rejected claims that the government has remained silent on the border issue, saying a spokesperson group—comprising representatives from the government, including national defense and foreign affairs ministries—has been tasked with regularly disseminating information.
He stressed that no order was issued to withdraw Cambodian forces after the ceasefire and that the negotiations included no condition for either side’s troops to pull back.
He reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to resolving border issues peacefully through the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Border Commission (JBC), based on existing agreements, treaties, and international law.
“The Royal Government has never abandoned its responsibility to the brave soldiers, police, and citizens affected by fighting or violations,” he said, urging the public to trust that the government is actively seeking solutions, even if many efforts are not made public.
