Bangkok: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Thailand will proceed with the Joint Border Committee (JBC) discussions with Cambodia following the formation of a new government. This announcement comes amidst tensions arising from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet's recent statements to foreign media, in which he accused Thailand of occupying Cambodian territory. The Ministry has emphasized that resolving such sensitive issues requires time and has urged Cambodia to refrain from disseminating misleading information.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Panidol Patchimsawat, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information and Acting Director-General of the Department of Information, provided an update on the Thai-Cambodian border situation. He reiterated that since the Joint Statement was signed on December 27, 2025, the border has remained peaceful, allowing residents to return to normal life. Thailand remains committed to the bilateral mechanism and hopes for a lasting ceasefire. Discussions with other countries have shown broad support for the ceasefire agreement and encouragement for continued direct consultations between Thailand and Cambodia.
The bilateral mechanisms between Thailand and Cambodia are expected to progress gradually. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeo maintains ongoing communication with Cambodian Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn. High-level military communication channels are also active, facilitating prompt resolutions to border incidents and misunderstandings. Recent Regional Border Committee (RBC) meetings have allowed military factions from both countries to engage in discussions on sustainable border management, signaling a commitment to further negotiations.
Mr. Panidol highlighted the importance of resuming the work of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Committee (JBC) after the formation of a new Thai government. He stressed the need for cooperation to create an environment conducive to restoring mutual trust and urged Cambodia to utilize existing information centers to address issues of misinformation. Thailand continues to exercise restraint and has called on Cambodia to supervise its troops to prevent any provocative actions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the interests of the Thai people and protecting Thailand's sovereignty. The government has consistently clarified the facts to the international community, aligning with the joint statement. This week, the International Red Cross (ICRC) is set to visit border provinces to assess the humanitarian impact, marking the third such visit and reflecting Thailand's dedication to transparency and international law.
Mr. Panidol also addressed the issue of online scam networks, emphasizing Thailand's cooperation with the international community and ASEAN countries to combat this crime. Thailand is seeking more concrete cooperation from Cambodia in addressing online crime, which has caused significant damage.
When questioned about Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet's accusations, Mr. Panidol noted that the foreign ministers of both countries have engaged in ongoing discussions on this sensitive issue since the joint statement's signing. He acknowledged that resolving such matters requires time and cannot be achieved in a few meetings.