ARANYAPRATHET — Thailand and Cambodia have reached a landmark agreement to collaborate on humanitarian mine clearance, combat transnational crime, and resolve border disputes through enhanced coordination mechanisms. The deal was finalized during a meeting of the Thai-Cambodian Regional Border Committee (RBC) held Thursday at a military barracks in Aranyaprathet.

Thai Navy Uncovers Video Evidence of Cambodian Troops Planting Landmines

Lt. Gen. Amarit Boonsuya, commander of Thailand’s First Army and head of the Thai delegation, announced that the two nations agreed to three new cooperation points in addition to 13 previously established measures. The Cambodian delegation was led by Gen. Ek Sam Oun, commander of Cambodia’s 5th Military Region.

Key agreements include joint mine-clearing operations along the contentious border, a coordinated crackdown on scam call centers and other transnational criminal networks, and the formation of local-level border committees to address disputes proactively. The mine clearance initiative will be presented for final approval at the next General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, which has yet to be scheduled.

Lt. Gen. Amarit emphasized that cooperation on criminal activities will be channeled through the Cambodian Minister of Interior, while border coordination groups will serve as primary platforms for de-escalating tensions. The two sides signed a 16-point memorandum of understanding, incorporating Thailand’s proposed additions.

Discussions regarding alleged violations of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 43 — which governs border security and military conduct — were deferred, as Cambodian representatives stated the issue fell outside the RBC’s authority. Thailand plans to raise the matter at the next GBC meeting via the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).

Cambodian Soldiers Disrupt ASEAN Observer Mission at Thai Border

The agreement marks a significant step toward stabilizing the volatile border region, where landmines and criminal enterprises have long threatened civilian safety and bilateral relations. Both nations affirmed their commitment to humanitarian and security priorities despite ongoing diplomatic challenges.

-Thailand News (TN)