Koh kong: The Thailand-Cambodia General Border Committee (GBC) meeting has commenced in Koh Kong, Cambodia, focusing on four critical issues: border regulation at Ban Nong Chan, landmine clearance, crackdown on call center gangs, and setting a timeframe for responding to protests.

According to Thai News Agency, the Thai secretariat team convened in Koh Kong for discussions and subsequently returned to the Thai side for safety reasons. The meeting, held from September 7-10, 2015, aimed to monitor progress on the 13 ceasefire points established between the two nations. The Thai-Cambodian Regional Committee (RBC) also met in three areas: the 2nd Army Area, the 1st Army Area, and the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defense Command (CDCDC), Royal Thai Navy.

The GBC meeting will see the Thai and Cambodian secretariats spend three days (September 7-9) deliberating and reaching clear conclusions on the four main issues, leading to concrete action. Cambodia has requested that cooperation in mine clearance across all areas be addressed, whether within clearly defined borders or disputed regions, ensuring safety for soldiers and civilians. This comes after incidents where six Thai soldiers stepped on landmines, both before and after the ceasefire.

Efforts to suppress transnational crimes, including call center gangs, are also on the agenda. The meeting will address border organization at Ban Nong Chan, Sa Kaeo Province, and the establishment of a timeframe for responding to protests related to disputes violating MOU 43 or other agreements. Quick responses to written protests are being emphasized to resolve conflicting issues effectively.

The Interim Observer Team (IOT) from ASEAN member countries will submit a report on the situation along the Thai-Cambodian borders, which will be integral to the discussions at the GBC meeting.

On September 10th, Acting Defense Minister Gen. Nattapol Nakphanit will co-chair the signing of the GBC meeting agreement with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Tea Sayha.