Senate Panel Stresses Security Before Border Talks with Cambodia

Picture courtesy of InsideThailand

The Senate special committee has emphasised that national security must take priority over economic considerations as discussions continue on resolving border disputes with Cambodia. The committee is reviewing the implications of cancelling the 2000 and 2001 Memoranda of Understanding (MOU 43 and MOU 44) related to disputed areas along the Thai-Cambodian border.

The committee, chaired by Noppadol Inna, held a meeting on 13 September 2025 to assess progress on the MOUs. Reports from the Military Mapping Department indicated that initial border demarcation relied on wooden markers, some of which were lost, leading both countries to agree on permanent concrete markers. A total of 74 markers have now been installed, with records including verbal statements serving as references for any displaced or missing markers.

Committee members discussed plans to visit marker 73 in Trat province and areas of maritime dispute. Future meetings will involve agencies managing water areas, including the Hydrography Department and the Royal Thai Navy, as well as naval officers on the committee, to exchange information and improve understanding of disputed waters.

Noppadol highlighted that the disputed maritime areas have seen less development or activity since the original MOUs. He noted that having accurate information should enable faster resolution than disputes over land areas. He also referenced statements by the incoming Minister of Energy that border issues must be resolved before negotiating maritime resource benefits.

The committee chair emphasised that resolving territorial matters is crucial to ensure public confidence. “If the Minister of Energy waits for comprehensive border studies before taking action, I think that is correct, to reassure the people,” Noppadol said. He added that progress updates would be reported regularly rather than waiting for complete resolution.

On the contentious issue of opening border checkpoints, Noppadol stated that economic benefits are important but must not outweigh security concerns. Reflecting on previous clashes, he warned that any conflict could severely impact economic activity. He expressed confidence in military judgment, noting that officers on site are best placed to assess which checkpoints should be opened safely.

Key Takeaways

• Thailand’s Senate panel insists security must precede economic considerations in border discussions.

• 74 permanent concrete markers have been installed along the Thai-Cambodian border to help resolve disputes.

• Future meetings will involve naval and hydrography experts to clarify maritime boundary issues.

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  Adapted by Asean Now from InsideThailand 2025-09-14