Chanthaburi, Thailand – Thailand and Cambodia have taken another step toward strengthening their border cooperation during a special meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), held in Chanthaburi Province from October 21 to 22, 2025.
The meeting was led by H.E. Mr. Prasas Prasasvinitchai from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and H.E. Mr. Lam Chea, Minister in charge of Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Border Affairs. Discussions were described as friendly and productive.
What Was Agreed
Both sides signed an official report outlining several key agreements:
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Replacing and repairing boundary pillars that mark the land border. Fifteen will be fixed or replaced in agreed locations, and three that were submerged by water will be relocated.
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Using new technology to improve border mapping. The two countries will update their 2003 guidelines to include LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)—a modern tool that creates highly accurate digital maps. A demonstration is planned for December 2025.
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Surveying areas between Boundary Pillars No. 42–47 in the Nong Chan–Nong Ya Kaeo area. Temporary markers will be placed to help local officials manage land issues and reduce tensions, though these markers won’t affect the official border line.
Both governments also agreed to make sure the survey teams can work safely, with full cooperation from local military and civilian authorities.
Toward Peaceful and Clearer Borders
The Thai delegation emphasized the importance of keeping the JBC a technical and non-political body, focused on achieving practical results. Thailand and Cambodia have worked together through this mechanism for over 25 years, aiming to maintain peace, stability, and understanding along their shared border.
The next JBC meeting will take place in Siem Reap, Cambodia, in early January 2026, where both sides will review progress and plan the next steps.
For expats and travelers, smoother cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia means safer border crossings, fewer local disputes, and continued stability in the region—benefiting communities and visitors on both sides.