Bangkok: Thai and Cambodian maps cannot be overlaid, risking inaccuracies of several kilometers. Surveying and mapping experts confirm that maps of Thailand and Cambodia cannot be directly compared, which could cause coordinates to differ by hundreds of meters to several kilometers, directly affecting the determination of international borders.
According to Thai News Agency, the map of Thailand used for general boundary delineation is a 1:50,000 scale map, which means that 1 centimeter on the map is equal to 500 meters. It provides detailed topographic information such as mountain ridges, streams, and natural trails, making it an ideal reference for defining precise boundary lines. This map was developed using technology and mapping systems from the United States.
In contrast, Cambodia still refers to the old map produced by France during the colonial era, which has a scale of 1:200,000 or 1 centimeter equals 2 kilometers. This map offers less topographic detail and is more suitable for regional planning than for defining detailed borders.
Apart from the scale, the two countries’ maps use completely different projection systems. The Thai system maintains good shape and direction accuracy, making it suitable for technical applications in real-world settings. The Cambodian map, on the other hand, maintains spatial accuracy but distorts shape and direction, especially outside the equator or central meridian.
Differences in scale, projection system, and origin of map technology mean that these two maps cannot be directly compared without undergoing detailed engineering transformation and correction processes. The resulting discrepancies can be as much as several kilometers in some areas, hampering the use of maps as evidence in border dispute negotiations or in joint interpretations of boundary lines.
Experts also stressed that while the two maps show the same geographical features of the area, the technical inconsistencies reflect structural issues that are not just engineering but also involve the sovereignty, history, and politics of the two countries. Finding a solution therefore requires combining scientific knowledge with diplomacy to create mutual understanding and avoid long-term conflict.