Bangkok: “Prasarn” insists he has never endorsed a 1:200,000 map, revealing that “Cambodia” was instructed not to discuss the issue of four disputed areas in the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC). However, this was not documented in the meeting minutes due to the discussion occurring in a small group. He further states that this round of JBC talks was the smoothest, despite previous meetings having more intense arguments.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Prasarn Prasarnvinitchai, a member of the Thai-Cambodian JBC, elaborated on the outcomes of the recent meeting. This was his fifth attendance at an official level, and this time he chaired the meeting. He noted a significant reduction in disputes, marking a technical success. The mission of the JBC committee, he explained, comprises two main parts.
The first involves examining boundary markers established during King Rama VI’s reign in 1919-1920. Of the 73 markers set up, 45 have been approved, while 29 remain contested. The second part involves aerial surveys to locate evidence of boundary markers from that era. Prasarn highlighted the necessity for clearer border views than in previous efforts, utilizing aerial photography to enhance operational clarity.
In the latest meeting, the minutes of the subcommittee’s technical-level meeting from last year were approved swiftly. The use of aircraft and Lidar technology for aerial photography was agreed upon, detailing specifics such as drone size, altitude, frequency, and cost-sharing arrangements. Prasarn mentioned that Cambodia is particularly sensitive about airspace usage.
Prasarn emphasized the rapid meeting process, addressing Cambodia’s inquiry about sending officials for boundary marker surveys. He agreed in principle but cited the lack of prepared manuals and the necessity of Lidar technology readiness as reasons for delay. Safety concerns, due to landmines, were also noted. Cambodia’s objection to the absence of field surveys in specific areas was met with explanations prioritizing preliminary aerial assessments.
The meeting included a sensitive small group discussion, with leaked agenda details preceding these talks. Prasarn compared the JBC’s efforts to Malaysia’s successful long-term boundary establishment, stating that Thailand’s situation is still developing, with technical completion possibly taking 15-20 years.
Regarding mapping, Prasarn clarified that the 1:200,000 map was not part of the official discussions, focusing instead on a jointly developed 1:50,000 map using aerial imagery. He addressed questions about Thailand’s unilateral map development history, explaining that such maps are strategic and not treaty-bound.
Concerning Cambodia’s potential ICJ submission over disputed areas, Prasarn indicated that the discussion was beyond his purview. However, he acknowledged prior directives to avoid discussing these matters, despite recognizing the importance of temporary measures to prevent conflicts at disputed points. The meeting’s smoothness was attributed to avoiding contentious topics, ensuring a less forceful atmosphere than before.
Addressing questions on historical demarcation based on treaties and maps, Prasarn explained reliance on the French-Siamese Treaty of 1904 and 1907, along with recognized international documents. He clarified that past demarcation efforts involved both unilateral and cooperative map-making, emphasizing that strategic maps are not binding between countries.