Thailand, Cambodia vow to avoid provocative actions at border

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed not to expand the scope or scale of their border disputes and to refrain from provocative actions, including inflammatory speech and civilian or military activities that could escalate tensions.

The decision was reached at a special Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting today in Si Sa Ket province, Thailand.

The meeting was co-chaired by Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, commander of Thailand’s 2nd Army Region, and Lt Gen Pov Heng, commander of Cambodia’s 4th Military Region.

The meeting took place after border tensions erupted on Monday and Tuesday in the Ban Nong Chan area of Sa Kaeo province, when Cambodian protesters gathered and attempted to dismantle barbed wire fencing set up by the Thai army.

A soldier was injured by projectiles hurled by Cambodians on Monday.

Yesterday, tensions escalated again when Cambodians confronted Thai protesters, mainly from local communities in Sa Kaeo. Both sides dispersed when Thai troops intervened.

The Thai side, though, accused Cambodian authorities of pushing their nationals to protest there.

In a joint statement, both sides pledged to respect the terms of the ceasefire, which took effect at midnight on July 28th, and emphasised that all actions by troops must remain non-offensive and confined strictly to their own territory.

Both sides agreed to strengthen communication, with military units and commanders along the border maintaining regular contact, to resolve disputes peacefully and prevent clashes.

They also agreed to avoid spreading false information or fake news that could inflame public sentiment. Both sides also underscored the importance of demining operations and will refer the issue to the upcoming GBC meeting.

Joint efforts against cross-border crime were also discussed, with commitments to cooperate on tackling drug trafficking, human trafficking, weapons smuggling and online scams.

The two sides agreed, in principle, to establish a Coordinating Group, to enhance communication among commanders and border units, with weekly meetings between local task force commanders in the interim.

Both countries reaffirmed their determination to resolve disputes peacefully, avoid future clashes and continue working in a spirit of good neighbourliness, friendship and solidarity.

The next RBC meeting will be hosted by Cambodia next month.