(Thailand, 12th) Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak said that due to unfinished domestic procedures, Thailand is not yet ready to attend the Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Committee (JBC) meeting originally scheduled for April 17 to 25.
According to The Bangkok Post, on Saturday (April 11), Sihasak made this statement regarding Cambodia's formal invitation for Thailand to participate in the meeting. Phnom Penh hopes to use this meeting to advance the long-delayed process of demarcating the border.
Sihasak said that Thailand must first finalize adjustments to the Thai delegation's composition for the JBC before confirming attendance at the meeting.
He emphasized that even if the meeting proceeds as planned, it will not immediately result in boundary demarcation, urging the public not to expect rapid progress on this longstanding border issue.
He emphasized that even if the meeting proceeds as planned, it will not immediately result in boundary demarcation, urging the public not to expect rapid progress on this longstanding border issue.
He pointed out that Thailand has informed Cambodia that before holding any JBC meeting, internal procedures must be completed domestically, including approving the new Thai JBC structure and appointing members from various government agencies. Once these internal steps are done, Thailand will be ready.
Sihasak also affirmed Cambodia's efforts to expedite the meeting, but reiterated that Thailand must act according to its own timetable.
He said that discussions on this matter may take place with the Cambodian Foreign Minister during the ASEAN summit possibly to be held in early May.
Sihasak also affirmed Cambodia's efforts to expedite the meeting, but reiterated that Thailand must act according to its own timetable.
He said that discussions on this matter may take place with the Cambodian Foreign Minister during the ASEAN summit possibly to be held in early May.