Phnom Penh: Cambodia and Thailand held an extraordinary meeting of the Regional Border Committee (RBC) on August 25, 2025. The session, hosted by Cambodia, saw high-level representatives from both nations reaffirm their dedication to diplomatic dialogue, peaceful resolution of issues, and regional cooperation.

Lieutenant General Maly Soccheata, spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense, delivered a comprehensive briefing on the outcomes of the meeting, which took place between Military Region 5 of Cambodia and the Chanthaburi-Trat border defense command of Thailand. The Cambodian delegation was led by Lieutenant General EkSam Aun, Commander of the 5th Military Region and Co-Chairman of the RBC, while the Thai delegation was headed by Vice Admiral Apichat Sapprasert, Commander of the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defense Command.

During the session, both sides underscored their commitment to implementing prior agreements made at high-level meetings. These included the resolutions from the special summit held in Putrajaya in late July, attended by Cambodia and Thailand’s acting prime ministers, and the outcomes of the August GBC meeting in Kuala Lumpur. The dialogue aimed to translate these commitments into tangible actions on the ground, with a focus on de-escalating tensions and building mutual trust.

A primary focus of the discussions was bolstering communication channels between military units along the border. Both parties agreed in principle to establish a Coordinating Group (CG) that would facilitate ongoing dialogue at all levels—ranging from commanders to operational units—further enhancing the mechanisms for issue resolution and crisis prevention. Moreover, they explored the potential creation of a Township Border Committee (TBC), bringing together government and private sector stakeholders, to promote cooperation across various sectors. While details are to be finalized in upcoming meetings, local commanders are set to meet weekly in the meantime to manage ongoing concerns directly.

Another key topic discussed was humanitarian demining, an area both countries agree deeply impacts regional stability. The two sides reaffirmed their intention to proceed with ongoing demining efforts and plan to address related issues at the upcoming GBC meeting scheduled soon.

Beyond border issues, Cambodia and Thailand also committed to strengthening joint efforts in combating transnational crimes such as online scams, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms smuggling. Both countries expressed their willingness to explore practical cooperation within existing frameworks to enhance security and stability.

The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to continue working together, emphasizing that restoring normalcy along their border is essential for regional peace and prosperity. Both sides agreed to convene the next RBC session within a month, with Thailand hosting the meeting.

In a related development, a secretariat-level meeting between Cambodia’s Military Region 4 and Thailand’s Military Region 2 is scheduled for August 26 at the International Border Checkpoint of Chaom in Anlung Veng District, as part of ongoing efforts to maintain open channels of communication.

Separately, Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry responded to recent allegations from Thailand regarding the laying of new landmines. Spokesperson Chum Sounry clarified that Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn strongly rejected these accusations, reaffirming Cambodia’s full compliance with the Ottawa Convention, which it has upheld since 2000. He emphasized Cambodia’s extensive efforts in mine clearance—covering over 3,500 square kilometers and destroying more than 4 million explosive devices, including active landmines from Cambodia’s civil war—and highlighted the country’s leadership role within the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC).

Furthermore, Cambodia’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions and its hosting of the ARMAC headquarters underscore its leadership and commitment to regional security. The Foreign Ministry called on the international community to support ASEAN’s peacekeeping efforts, reject false allegations, and recognize Cambodia’s achievements in mine clearance and peacebuilding.

As both nations continue their engagement, the overarching message remains clear: Cambodia and Thailand are dedicated to transforming their border into a zone of peace, stability, and shared prosperity, built on dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to international law.