Thai - Cambodia Conflict Border Committee Agrees on 13-Point Accord

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

 

The Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting held on 16 August, between Thai and Cambodian military officials concluded with both sides agreeing on 13 key points and establishing a coordination team, while Thailand reaffirmed it will not dismantle barbed wire at Laem Glad in Trat province.

 

The meeting was held at Baan Talaypu Resort, Klongyai district, Trat, chaired by Rear Admiral Apichat Sapprasert, Commander of the Royal Thai Marine Corps and Commander of the Chanthaburi-Trat Defence Force, representing Thailand. The Thai delegation included Naval Captain Pharis Wongsphensri, Commander of the Trat Marine Task Force, Pira Iamsunthorn, Deputy Governor of Trat, Samosorn Manok, Provincial Permanent Secretary, Kerdsak Chumnasiew, District Chief of Klongyai and other relevant officials.

 

The Cambodian delegation was led by Major General Uy Heang, Commander of the Third Military Region, along with Governor Mithuna Phuthong, Deputy Commander Mun Samedi, Rear Admiral Soth Sareoun and 30 other officials.

 

Before the formal meeting, Rear Admiral Apichat explained that discussions would focus on implementing the 13-point framework previously agreed upon during the Joint Border Committee (GBC) meeting. Both sides aimed to foster understanding, reduce tensions and maintain peace along the border. A local coordination team will be established, ranging from regional commanders to on-site unit leaders, to facilitate future RBC meetings.

 

The atmosphere of the meeting was described as friendly and sincere, with both sides expressing a shared commitment to strengthen bilateral relations for the security and welfare of their citizens.

 

Regarding reports that Cambodian troops had requested the removal of barbed wire at Laem Glad, Rear Admiral Apichat clarified that the area falls under the jurisdiction of Thailand’s Fifth Military Region, not the Third. Thai forces have therefore refused to remove the wire. Naval Captain Pharis Wongsphensri confirmed that the request was made on 15 August, but Thai forces maintained their position to protect Thailand’s territorial integrity. Cambodian troops reportedly understood and withdrew from the area.

 

The meeting also touched on the issue of landmines, which will be discussed in detail at the next RBC session, with all final decisions to be presented at the GBC.

 

Rear Admiral Apichat summed up the talks, stating: “The discussions have been positive. Our focus remains on the 13-point agreement and ensuring stability and welfare in the border areas for both countries.”

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-08-17