Phnom Penh: Thailand and Cambodia have successfully signed the joint minutes of their latest Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting, marking a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to demarcate the border between the two nations. The recent meeting, noted for its smooth and cordial discussions, paves the way for further cooperation, with the next meeting scheduled for September in Thailand.

According to Thai News Agency, the meeting was co-chaired by Ambassador Prasarn Prasarnvinitchai, representing the Thai side, and Mr. Lam Chea, Minister Responsible for Border Affairs and Head of the Secretariat of National Border Affairs of Cambodia. The event culminated with the signing of the Joint Minutes of the Meeting in Phnom Penh, underscoring the commitment of both countries to resolving border issues through dialogue.

The discussions highlighted the effectiveness of the JBC, which serves as a crucial bilateral mechanism for border negotiations. The progress made in demarcating the approximately 800-kilometer-long border has also contributed to reducing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. Both parties acknowledged that while significant strides have been made, further discussions and collaborative efforts are essential. The upcoming special JBC meeting in September will be hosted by Thailand.

Currently, Thailand and Cambodia engage in three main levels of cooperation concerning border issues. The JBC is dedicated to addressing technical and international legal matters. The General Border Committee (GBC), a high-level bilateral security mechanism co-chaired by the defense ministers of both countries, focuses on promoting cooperation and maintaining order in the border regions. Lastly, the Regional Border Committee (RBC) operates as a bilateral military mechanism to manage local-level concerns related to border management, development, and problem-solving, with army commanders or equivalent ranks leading the discussions.