Secretariat Talks Begin Ahead of Dec 27 Border Summit
Negotiations Open in Hopes of De-escalating the Cambodia-Thailand Border Conflict
With only three days left before a high-stakes ministerial summit, military delegates from Cambodia and Thailand gathered today at the Prom-Pak Kard border checkpoint to initiate talks aimed at de-escalating their ongoing border conflict. Under the watchful eye of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), both nations exchanged documents that will set the stage for a critical General Border Committee (GBC) summit scheduled for December 27, 2025.
The General Border Committee (GBC) Secretariat meeting commenced at 4:30 p.m. at the Prom-Pak Kard Permanent Border Checkpoint, strategically located between Cambodia’s Pailin province and Thailand’s Chanthaburi province. This meeting is part of a series of discussions aimed at halting the violence and restoring stability to the volatile border region.
Purpose of the Talks
According to Maly Socheata, spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, the primary objective of today’s meeting was to prepare for the upcoming 3rd Special GBC summit. This summit, set for December 27, is expected to focus on securing a cessation of hostilities and finding lasting solutions to restore peace between the two countries.
Socheata stressed the importance of the talks, stating, “In this meeting, both parties will discuss and exchange documents to ensure the cessation of hostilities and facilitate a swift return to normalcy between Cambodia and Thailand.”
Both delegations came to the table with the intent to ease tensions, ahead of the larger summit in three days. The outcome of these initial talks will play a crucial role in shaping the agenda and framework for the upcoming discussions.
Delegation Leadership
The Cambodian delegation was led by Major General Nhem Boraden, the Chief of the Cambodian GBC Secretariat, while the Thai delegation was headed by General Nuttapong Praokaew, the Chief of the Thai GBC Secretariat. Their leadership sets the tone for the discussions that will continue through December 26, 2025, as both sides seek to find common ground and pave the way for the broader summit.
The Role of ASEAN
The ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), an impartial body that monitors the progress of border negotiations, played a key role in overseeing today’s meeting. Their presence ensures transparency and accountability as both nations move toward a potential ceasefire and a long-term resolution to the conflict.
In the lead-up to the December 27 summit, the AOT will continue to monitor the proceedings closely, providing necessary reports on the discussions, which will be critical for maintaining the legitimacy of the peace process. Their involvement underscores the importance of ASEAN as a mediator in Southeast Asian conflicts, further enhancing the credibility of any agreements reached between Cambodia and Thailand.
What’s Next?
While today’s meeting represents a small but significant step forward, much remains to be seen as the December 27 summit approaches. The talks at Prom-Pak Kard are only the beginning of a broader diplomatic effort to resolve the ongoing tensions. Both sides are under immense pressure to prevent further violence and protect civilian lives along the border.
As the General Border Committee prepares for its special meeting in just a few days, all eyes will be on the outcome of these early talks. The international community, particularly ASEAN, will be watching closely to ensure that both Cambodia and Thailand uphold their commitments to peace and stability.
