Chanthaburi: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is set to inform Cambodia through the Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) about Thailand’s decision to erect a fence along the border of its sovereignty. This announcement will be made during a special meeting in Chanthaburi, focusing solely on this matter and addressing the encroachment of Cambodian citizens on Thai territory at Ban Nong Chan and Nong Ya Kaeo.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nikorndej Plankul, Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussed the upcoming special meeting of the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Boundary Committee scheduled for October 21-22, 2015, in Chanthaburi. Mr. Nikorndej highlighted the critical nature of this meeting, which follows a previous meeting in Koh Kong, Cambodia. The primary agenda is to inform Cambodia about the fence construction and address the encroachment issue, with no other topics to be discussed.
The focal point of the meeting is the resolution of the encroachment issue at Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaeo in Sa Kaeo Province. Thailand plans to build a fence along a straight line between two border markers, which both nations recognize as the boundary of Thai sovereignty.
A spokesperson from the Foreign Ministry emphasized that the discussions will be limited to two main areas: the encroachment issue and the notification of the fence construction. The urgency of the meeting is underscored by its connection to the upcoming General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, which includes the involvement of the Minister of Defense and addresses four key conditions: withdrawal of heavy weapons, demining, suppression of transnational crime, and border management.
Mr. Nikorndej confirmed that the JBC meeting would not entertain other border issues, as its primary function is negotiating border demarcation. He stressed that the focus on these two issues is essential for the continuation of the GBC discussions, preventing any stagnation in the negotiation process.
When questioned about the possibility of discussing broader Thai-Cambodian relations, Mr. Nikorndej stated that such discussions would follow the GBC meeting. He reiterated Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew’s stance on evaluating Cambodia’s sincerity and determination, which would dictate the future course of bilateral relations.