KOH KONG, Cambodia — Cambodia and Thailand announced significant advances in border cooperation during the first session of the Special Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) held September 10, 2025, in Koh Kong Province. The meeting marked a critical step toward stability amid ongoing efforts to resolve longstanding border issues.

Weapons Demilitarization Underway

Both nations agreed to begin removing heavy and destructive weapons from border areas, returning them to respective military installations. Internal working groups are establishing detailed, phased plans, which are scheduled for discussion over the next three weeks. These plans will be overseen by the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) to ensure transparency and mutual trust.  

Cambodia and Thailand also reviewed and revised draft Terms of Reference (TOR) for the AOT during the meeting. Cambodia submitted its latest draft to Thailand on September 20, and both sides are coordinating toward finalizing these arrangements.

On September 16, Cambodian and Thai officials convened in Sa Kaeo Province, Thailand, to establish a joint task force targeting transnational crimes, including online scams. The Cambodian delegation was led by Lieutenant General Seang Thearith, Deputy Commissioner-General of the National Police, while the Thai side was headed by General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Royal Thai Police Senior Inspector-General.

The two countries expressed a mutual desire to cooperate respectfully and uphold their sovereignty. They planned to meet again on September 26 to further develop the action plan, but Thailand requested postponement.

A virtual meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Coordinating Task Force (JCTF) on humanitarian demining occurred on September 24. The composition of the working group was announced, and draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were exchanged. The next phases include expanding membership, finalizing SOPs, and identifying critical areas for demining activities.

The Regional Border Committee (RBC) sessions scheduled for September 27 have been postponed to October due to leadership transitions within Thailand’s military. The RBC between Cambodia’s Military Region 5 and Thailand’s Army Area 1 is expected to be rescheduled soon. Similar delays affect discussions involving Thailand's Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defense Command and Cambodia’s Military Regions 3 and 5.

Cambodia’s Military Region 4 issued an invitation for Thailand’s Army Area 2 to participate in a meeting scheduled for September 28–30, 2025, and is awaiting Thai confirmation.

The GBC also addressed recent border tensions in Chok Chey Village, O Bei Chon Commune, O Chrov District, Banteay Meanchey Province, Cambodia, and Nong Chan Village, Khok Sung District, Sa Kaeo Province, Thailand. Both countries agreed to utilize the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to resolve demarcation issues, recognizing it as the proper mechanism for addressing these disputes.

On September 17, provincial governors from Banteay Meanchey and Sa Kaeo met to discuss peaceful management of the situation. A planned bilateral meeting at Poipet Border Gate on September 25 was canceled after Thailand declined participation.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Tea Seiha, issued correspondence to Thai authorities to address statements and actions that contradict the spirit of recent agreements and to seek coordinated resolution.

While logistical and political challenges remain, ongoing efforts demonstrate a mutual commitment by Cambodia and Thailand to advance border stability and foster regional cooperation. These developments highlight a constructive shift toward peaceful resolution of longstanding border issues and enhanced bilateral relations.