Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

Thai and Cambodian border officials have agreed to conduct joint surveys in disputed areas along their shared border, following two days of extended talks that concluded late night on 22 October, in Chanthaburi. The agreement marks a step forward in addressing long-standing territorial uncertainties, with both sides pledging to employ modern mapping technology and install temporary boundary markers to clarify contested zones.

 

The discussions, co-chaired by Thailand’s Ambassador Prasas Prasasvinitchai, border affairs advisor and Cambodia’s Border Affairs Minister Lam Chea, took place on 21–22 October under the framework of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC). The breakthrough focused on the area between boundary pillars 42 and 47, which includes the Chouk Chey–Nong Chan and Prey Chan–Nong Ya Kaeo village regions,  long regarded as sensitive zones due to overlapping claims.

 

According to the joint statement, both sides finalised detailed technical instructions for conducting surveys and placing temporary markers. Officials stressed that these markers are “for survey purposes only” and do not affect the final determination of the international boundary. Once the surveys are completed and officially approved, both governments will consult on “appropriate mechanisms for adjustment of land occupation,” signalling a cautious approach to resolving the complex issue.

 

Other key agreements reached during the meeting include the replacement of 15 boundary pillars to their original locations and the relocation of three submerged pillars to new, agreed positions. The delegations also approved the use of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to accelerate and improve the accuracy of mapping, and agreed to prioritise the safety of survey teams by clearing landmines in operational areas.

 

Talks were described by both sides as “friendly and cordial” and continued several hours past the planned 16:30 conclusion. Officials indicated that the productive dialogue underscored the commitment of both nations to peacefully manage border demarcation issues through cooperation rather than confrontation.

 

The next JBC meeting is scheduled for early January 2026 in Siem Reap, Cambodia, where the delegations are expected to review progress on the agreed survey work and discuss further steps toward formal boundary settlement.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thailand and Cambodia agreed to conduct joint surveys in disputed border areas between pillars 42 and 47.

• Temporary boundary markers will be placed solely for survey purposes, not as final border designations.

• Both sides will reconvene in Siem Reap in January 2026 to assess progress.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-10-23

 

 

 

 

 

About time they showed a bit of intelligence and worked together instead of the stupidity from both sides over some useless bit/s of land along a common border. They need to stop playing my dicks bigger than your dick games and come to a reasonable compromise so both sides can get on with each other. 

9 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The agreement marks a step forward in addressing long-standing territorial uncertainties, with both sides pledging to employ modern mapping technology and install temporary boundary markers to clarify contested zones.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Given both countries claim the same land. Cambodia has the world court on their side given their decree the land is theirs.Thailand disputes it but, rather than disputing it legally, they decided to take over and fight for it. 2 emissaries trying to argue over who gets the land will surely lead to more disagreement. Especially if Cambodia maintains the decision of the world court was correct. 

44 minutes ago, thesetat said:

It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Given both countries claim the same land. Cambodia has the world court on their side given their decree the land is theirs.Thailand disputes it but, rather than disputing it legally, they decided to take over and fight for it. 2 emissaries trying to argue over who gets the land will surely lead to more disagreement. Especially if Cambodia maintains the decision of the world court was correct. 

The ICJ has only ruled on Preah Vihear and its immediate surrounding area, not any of the territory that is in dispute now.