Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has said the country is not yet ready to hold a new round of Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) talks with Cambodia, citing the need to complete internal procedures first. Speaking on April 11, he confirmed Thailand had informed Cambodia it could not attend the proposed meeting scheduled between April 17 and 25. The delay means bilateral discussions on border issues will not proceed until Bangkok finalises its preparations.

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Sihasak explained that Thailand must first secure approval to reconstitute its JBC team, as changes to its membership are required. Only after this domestic process is completed can talks move forward. He added that he would not chair the Thai side of the commission, noting that the role should be held by someone with technical expertise in international law and boundary matters, alongside representatives from relevant agencies.

The Joint Boundary Commission is a bilateral mechanism aimed at addressing border demarcation and related disputes between Thailand and Cambodia. Cambodia has recently pushed for the talks to proceed quickly, but Sihasak said Phnom Penh was already aware of Thailand’s position. He also indicated there may be an opportunity to discuss the issue further with Cambodia’s foreign minister on the sidelines of the ASEAN leaders’ summit in early May.

On the matter of historical documents, Sihasak said France had confirmed that archival records related to the border are not classified and can be accessed. He stated that Thailand would be able to obtain any documents it requires. He also addressed the future of MOU 43 and MOU 44, confirming that the government plans to revoke MOU 44 in line with its policy statement to Parliament, pending review by the National Security Council and Cabinet.

MOU 43, however, will be treated with greater caution due to existing progress under the framework. Sihasak said the Foreign Ministry remains open on the issue but stressed that any decision should be based on shared consensus and an inclusive process. He also cautioned against assuming that any future JBC meeting would lead immediately to border demarcation, noting that initial discussions would focus on procedures and methods.

The Nation reported that Thailand will continue its internal processes before confirming any new timeline for JBC talks. Further discussions may take place during regional meetings, but formal negotiations will depend on the completion of domestic approvals.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 12 Apr 2026

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Thailand’s continued hesitation on reconvening the JBC - citing incomplete internal procedures and the need to restructure its delegation - certainly gives the impression of deliberate delay rather than simple administrative backlog.

Reports also note that Bangkok is preparing to revoke MOU 44 while taking a more cautious, “open and inclusive” approach to MOU 43, which adds to the perception that Thailand may be positioning itself to step back from the existing framework rather than move forward with demarcation.

If this pattern persists, Cambodia may well interpret it as stonewalling. Phnom Penh has already been pushing for faster progress, and Thailand’s stance - including suggestions that talks must wait for a new government or for Cambodia to meet unrelated conditions like demining - only widens the gap.

The geopolitical implications shouldn’t be underestimated. Cambodia has shown increasing comfort deepening ties with both Vietnam and China when relations with Thailand stagnate.

If Bangkok continues to drag its feet on boundary mechanisms that both sides previously agreed to, it risks pushing Cambodia further into the strategic orbit of its neighbours — something that could shift regional dynamics in ways Thailand may not find favourable.

For its part, Cambodia has formally rejected any unilateral revocation of MOU 43, calling it a legally binding bilateral treaty registered with the UN. It also warned that revoking MOU 44 would violate international law and undermine dispute resolution efforts!