All Eyes on GBC Meeting as Border Hostilities Rage On
As deadly clashes continue along the Cambodia–Thailand border, attention remains firmly fixed on the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting scheduled for December 24, 2025. The gathering comes amid renewed fighting that has strained relations between the two neighbors and displaced thousands of civilians.
The GBC — a bilateral mechanism established to address security, demarcation, and peace issues along the shared border — is expected to reconvene after both sides agreed to resume discussions on implementing and verifying the July 28 ceasefire agreement. ASEAN foreign ministers welcomed this step, urging both countries to exercise maximum restraint and pursue peaceful conflict resolution.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, clashes persist. Reports indicate that hostilities have led to significant civilian displacement and casualties, underscoring the urgency of reaching a sustainable peace.
Diplomatic Tensions Over Venue
Ahead of the meeting, diplomatic friction emerged over its location. Cambodia requested that talks be moved to a neutral venue in Kuala Lumpur for security reasons, citing ongoing fighting along the border. However, Thai officials rejected this proposal, reaffirming their stance that the meeting should proceed in Chanthaburi province. Thailand’s Ministry of Defence stressed that success will hinge on Cambodia’s commitment to peace and demining actions.
ASEAN’s Role and Ceasefire Focus
ASEAN Chair statements following a special Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur reiterated support for the ceasefire framework and the role of the GBC in rebuilding stability. Foreign ministers expressed hope that the GBC talks would quickly lead to a reduction of hostilities and stronger adherence to international law.
Cambodia has emphasized several priorities for the GBC agenda, including an immediate halt to violence, full respect for previous ceasefire accords, safe and dignified return of displaced civilians, and the reactivation of humanitarian and demarcation mechanisms.
Looking Ahead
The outcome of the December 24 GBC meeting carries significant implications for regional security and ASEAN’s diplomatic credibility. With both Cambodia and Thailand under domestic and international pressure to de-escalate, all parties will be watching closely to see if dialogue can outpace conflict on the ground.
