Thailand and Cambodia advance border talks ahead of ASEAN Summit

Thailand and Cambodia have taken a significant step toward resolving their long-standing border dispute after a two-day special meeting of the Joint Commission on demarcation, held in Chanthaburi, Thailand. The latest discussions between Thailand and Cambodia focused on technical cooperation, replacement of boundary markers, and accelerating land surveys. Thailand and Cambodia emphasized peaceful dialogue and mutual respect, reflecting their shared commitment to ending decades of tension along their 800-kilometer shared border. The Thailand and Cambodia border talks come amid the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, where both countries are expected to finalize a formal accord on border resolution.

During the Chanthaburi meeting, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to replace 15 boundary pillars at mutually agreed locations and specifications. Thailand and Cambodia also addressed submerged markers, selecting new positions in line with mutual agreement. The two countries agreed to update the Terms of Reference from 2003 to incorporate advanced LiDAR technology for producing accurate orthophoto maps. These steps by Thailand and Cambodia aim to accelerate land demarcation, reduce misunderstandings, and strengthen bilateral trust. Thailand and Cambodia’s efforts show that technical collaboration can resolve even long-standing territorial disputes peacefully.

Both nations also focused on areas of high sensitivity, such as the segments between Boundary Pillars No. 42 to 47, covering villages like Chouk Chey-Nong Chan and Prey Chan-Nong Ya Kaeo. Thailand and Cambodia jointly finalized technical instructions for surveys and temporary marker placements. The discussions also included addressing Thai concerns over Cambodian nationals encroaching into Thai territory in certain districts. Thailand and Cambodia committed to ensuring that all future work respects historical claims while preventing incidents that could escalate tensions. Thailand and Cambodia’s cooperation is being closely monitored by ASEAN observers, signaling regional support for their peaceful resolution.

The Chanthaburi agreement underscores Thailand and Cambodia’s determination to prevent the border dispute from affecting civilians or regional stability. Thailand and Cambodia have faced several clashes over the years, including in 2011 and July 2025, resulting in deaths and displacement. Thailand and Cambodia’s current approach emphasizes dialogue and technical solutions over military confrontation. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted the cordial atmosphere of the meetings, while Thailand’s foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow stressed that the nations are moving closer to signing a Declaration of Thailand-Cambodia Relations during the ASEAN Summit.

Thailand and Cambodia plan to hold the next Joint Border Commission meeting in Siem Reap in January 2026. Thailand and Cambodia’s ongoing cooperation reflects a broader regional trend of ASEAN nations resolving disputes diplomatically. With decades of conflict behind them, Thailand and Cambodia are taking measured steps to build lasting trust, ensuring border security, and preventing further civilian hardships. Thailand and Cambodia’s resolution efforts demonstrate that sustained dialogue, technical expertise, and goodwill can address even the most complex territorial disagreements.