By Kenny Teng
BANGKOK, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to expedite ongoing efforts to demarcate their shared land boundary, following a two-day Special Meeting of the Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC) held in Chanthaburi, the eastern province of Thailand, from Oct 21 to 22.
In a statement, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said both sides agreed to instruct the Joint Technical Sub-Commission (JTSC) to replace 15 boundary pillars at their original locations and specifications, while three submerged boundary pillars will be replaced at new positions to be jointly agreed upon.
"In a key development, both countries also agreed to accelerate the revision of the 2003 Terms of Reference (TOR) concerning the production of orthophoto maps by adopting new technologies such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to expedite survey and demarcation work," the MFA said in a statement on Thursday.
The Special Meeting of the Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC) was co-chaired by Adviser to the Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prasas Prasasvinitchai and Minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Border Affairs of Cambodia, Lam Chea.
Regarding the boundary segment in the areas of Chouk Chey-Nong Chan Village and Prey Chan-Nong Ya Kaeo Village, the MFA said both countries are committed to finalising the Technical Instruction (TI) for the joint survey and emplacement of temporary markers along priority terrain segments.
"Following completion of the survey and emplacement of temporary markers, both sides will seek approval from their respective governments and consult on appropriate mechanisms to address land occupation adjustments," the statement said.
The ministry added that the emplacement of temporary markers will serve survey purposes only and will not prejudice the official international boundary between the two countries.
"Both sides also agreed to instruct local military and civilian authorities to ensure the safety of the Joint Survey Team, avoid any acts of provocation, and clear landmines in accordance with Article 3 of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)," it said.
The MFA said the meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to convene the next JBC meeting in Siem Reap, Cambodia, during the first week of January 2026.
-- BERNAMA