Border Demarcation Advances Amid Tensions: Cambodia–Thailand Efforts in Banteay Meanchey
The ongoing efforts to resolve the Cambodia–Thailand border dispute have entered a new phase, with joint technical teams moving forward on the installation of temporary boundary markers between Border Posts 42 and 47 in Banteay Meanchey province. While these efforts are crucial for long-term peace and stability along the border, they come amid simmering tensions, domestic protests in Thailand, and a recent cross-border attack that has left Cambodian villagers displaced.
Border Demarcation: A Delicate Process
The State Secretariat of Border Affairs (SSBA) has emphasized that the activities taking place so far along the border have involved only the verification of existing boundary markers, not actual land demarcation. In a recent statement, the SSBA clarified that this verification process is part of ongoing efforts to resolve border issues, specifically in the villages of Chork Chey and Prey Chan in O’Beichoan commune, O’Chrov district.
The SSBA explained that the verification work is based on historical Procès-Verbaux documents from the French Protectorate era (1919–1920), which serve as the foundation for identifying the exact locations of 74 concrete boundary markers between Cambodia and Thailand. The technical teams, representing both nations, have been conducting fieldwork since 2006 as part of a broader bilateral agreement.
“The activities completed thus far have only involved verifying the exact locations of the existing boundary markers,” said the SSBA, underscoring that no physical land demarcation has yet taken place. This is an important distinction, as both governments have agreed to move forward with the next phase, which will see the installation of temporary boundary markers between Posts 42 and 47 starting from November 18, 2025.
Joint Efforts in Banteay Meanchey
The boundary work in Banteay Meanchey represents the latest chapter in the long-running Cambodia–Thailand border dispute. While both sides have made significant progress in recent months, tensions remain high. The latest technical work is part of the 2000 MOU and the 2003 TOR agreements between Cambodia and Thailand, which aim to resolve discrepancies and establish clear demarcations along the shared border.
According to the SSBA, 56% of the temporary markers have already been placed between Posts 52 and 59 in Battambang province, covering areas in Kamrieng and Chanthaburi provinces. This progress is part of a broader effort to install 166 temporary markers across the border, which, when completed, will mark a significant step toward resolving the territorial issue.
Technology and Transparency in Border Work
To ensure precision and transparency in the process, satellite and drone technology are being used to support the demarcation work. This advanced technology is designed to guarantee the accuracy of the markers, with both countries keen to avoid future disputes over boundary lines. Additionally, LiDAR mapping is set to be incorporated into future boundary work, further enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of the demarcation process.
Rising Domestic Protests in Thailand
While progress continues on the ground, political tensions have emerged in Thailand. Domestic protests have erupted in response to what some groups perceive as foreign interference in Thailand’s handling of the border issue. A protest group known as Unite the Land to Protect Sovereignty marched to both the Malaysian Embassy and the US Embassy in Bangkok, denouncing what they described as undue foreign influence on Thailand’s sovereignty and territorial decisions.
However, Malaysian officials have rejected these claims, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stating that Malaysia’s role in the negotiations was strictly as a facilitator, rather than an imposer of decisions. Malaysia, as Chair of ASEAN, has helped mediate discussions but insists that both Cambodia and Thailand retain full sovereignty over the final decisions.
Cross-Border Attack Displaces Cambodian Villagers
Meanwhile, Cambodia is dealing with the fallout from a fatal cross-border attack that took place in Prey Chan village, O’Beichoan commune, Banteay Meanchey province. On November 12, 2025, a Thai military attack left one Cambodian civilian dead and three others injured. The attack, described by Cambodian officials as unprovoked, led to the displacement of several families in the region.
In response to the attack, a delegation from Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence visited the affected villagers to offer support and assess the humanitarian situation. Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, the Defence Ministry’s spokeswoman, confirmed that the delegation arrived on November 15, 2025, to provide assistance to families who had taken refuge at Wat Chansy Samakki Ratanaram in East Kob village.
Authorities have condemned the attack as a violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty, and the Cambodian government is closely monitoring the situation. This cross-border incident has added to the volatility surrounding the ongoing border negotiations.
A Path Toward Stability
Despite the challenges, both Cambodia and Thailand have expressed their commitment to continuing the border demarcation process. The Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) has played a crucial role in facilitating these discussions, maintaining a focus on national interests and sovereignty while seeking to avoid conflict.
With the installation of temporary markers underway and technological tools being used for transparency, both sides are making important strides toward finalizing the border agreement. However, the recent cross-border attack and domestic unrest in Thailand show that tensions are far from resolved.
As the work continues, both governments will need to balance the demands of domestic stakeholders with the need for international cooperation to ensure that the border dispute is settled peacefully and in a manner that respects both nations’ territorial integrity.
