Thailand to resolve boundary issues with Cambodia through peaceful bilateral negotiations

via Khmer NZ

In response to media inquiries about news reports that the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia had sent a letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam, as the current Chair of ASEAN, seeking ASEAN’s assistance regarding the current border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, Ms. Vimon Kidchob, Director-General of the Department of Information and the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, gave the following comments:

1. Thailand believes that the current differences between Thailand and Cambodia – both being close neighbours and fellow ASEAN member countries – should best be resolved peacefully through existing bilateral mechanisms. Thailand has kept the other members of the ASEAN family informed of developments and thus appreciates their understanding and support in this regard.

2. Resolution of boundary and border-related issues between neighbouring countries requires patience and good faith in order to move towards a mutually acceptable outcome. It has always been Thailand’s intention to move forward with bilateral negotiations with Cambodia in accordance with the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia on the Survey and Demarcation of Land Boundary (MOU). Already, the two countries have agreed to convene the next round of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC) as early as possible on a date to be mutually agreed upon.

3. At the same time, defence and military officials of both sides remain in close contact with each other through existing channels of communication, including through the General Border Committee (GBC), the Regional Border Committees (RBCs) as well as on the ground at the local level.

4. Thailand is convinced that by working together on the basis of friendship and good neighbourliness, Thailand and Cambodia will be able to overcome this challenge for the benefit of their two countries and peoples, consequently contributing towards the ASEAN community building process.