BANGKOK —U.S. President Donald Trump will witness the signing of the Declaration of Thai-Cambodian Relations on October 25 in Malaysia, alongside Malaysian Prime Minister and ASEAN Chair Anwar Ibrahim, as Thailand and Cambodia move toward resolving decades-old border disputes and easing tensions along their shared frontier.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow confirmed that the declaration will be signed by the two prime ministers during the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur from October 25–28. “Both sides have agreed in principle on the withdrawal of heavy weapons, landmine clearance, and joint efforts to combat transnational crime under a step-by-step action plan,” Sihasak said.
The development follows progress made at the Special Meeting of the Cambodian–Thai Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC) in Chanthaburi on October 21–22, where officials agreed to use the neutral term “adjust land holding/possession” instead of “relocate, remove, or destroy” regarding disputed land in the Ban Nong Chan–Ban Nong Ya Kaew area.
Prasas said the meeting also agreed to replace 15 boundary pillars in their original locations and three others submerged underwater once both sides reach a consensus on their positions. Both delegations also approved the use of LiDAR technology to accelerate surveys and mapping.
Prasas, joined by Benchamin Sukanjanajtee, Director-General of the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs, told reporters after the meeting that the atmosphere was “straightforward and constructive.” Benchamin noted that it was the first JBC meeting to issue a joint statement, reflecting a shared commitment to expedite the border demarcation process and ease tensions along the frontier.
Thai Defence Minister Gen. Natthaphon Nakphanich added that both sides also agreed to jointly survey the disputed area and place temporary boundary markers between pillars No. 42–47 in Sa Kaeo Province, marking the first time Cambodian and Thai officials will conduct fieldwork together.
Gen. Natthaphon said the temporary markers are for survey purposes only and will not affect Thailand’s territorial rights. “Construction of border fences will proceed only in clearly established areas,” he said, adding that the agreement reflects growing cooperation and mutual trust ahead of the high-level ASEAN meeting.
