June 17, 2026
PHNOM PENH – The Cambodian side of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) has issued a renewed request for Thailand to dispatch Joint Survey Teams, so that border demarcation work can begin as soon as possible. Thai authorities have repeatedly postponed the work.
The State Secretariat of Border Affairs issued the request on June 15, according to a statement released today, June 16.
According to the secretariat of Border Affairs, the Cambodian JBC has sent multiple requests in the past, however, the Thais have requested successive postponements, citing numerous reasons.
They included: Completing internal procedures, awaiting the General Election, awaiting the appointment of the new Prime Minister, awaiting the formation of a new cabinet and awaiting approval by the cabinet on the appointment of the new chairperson and composition of the Thai JBC.
“Although the new Thai Prime Minister has been appointed and the cabinet formed, the Thai government has still not appointed a chairperson or members to its JBC. The delay in appointing the new chairperson and members of the JBC as well as the non-dispatch of the Joint Survey Teams (JSTs) to resume their works on the ground [is ongoing],” it said.
These continued evasions are contrary to the Agreed Minutes of the special meeting of the Cambodian-Thai JBC dated October 22, 2025, and the spirit of the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) dated December 27, 2025, as clearly stated in paragraphs 3 and 4, it noted.
Even as they delay the survey work, Thailand has continued to occupy Cambodian territory and carry out illegal activities aimed at creating a “new reality on the ground”, or fait accompli.
Cambodia has lodged multiple formal diplomatic protests about Thai actions.
“The JBC (Cambodian side) takes a firm stance in protesting against the illegal occupation of Cambodia’s territory by the Thai military and the continued violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Cambodia,” said the secretariat.
“The Cambodian JBC strongly rejects any alteration of the boundary line resulting from the use of force, whether in the past, present or future,” it added.
It has now been nearly half a year since Cambodia and Thailand signed a December 27 ceasefire, following the 21-day “second round” of armed conflict.
The delays mean tens of thousands of Cambodian civilians remain in displacement camps and temporary communities, as their homes are occupied by the Thai military. Some of the homes have reportedly been razed by Thai forces.