PRESS RELEASE:
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra held a press conference on June 16 following high-level security discussions on the outcomes of the Thai–Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting held from June 14 to 15 in Phnom Penh. She confirmed that the meeting reaffirmed a framework for future negotiations and announced the formation of a national task force to respond to developments, including Cambodia’s recent referral of four border disputes to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The new task force, operating under the coordinated “Team Thailand” framework and led by the Deputy Minister of Defense, will gather legal, historical, and technical documentation to support Thailand’s stance, while continuing to rely on bilateral mechanisms to address the issue.
In response to former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s request to have border checkpoints fully reopened by June 16, Prime Minister Paetongtarn clarified that Thailand had not closed the border, but had adjusted operating hours based on evolving security conditions.
The Prime Minister raised concerns over the use of unofficial communication channels, such as social media, to express positions outside the established diplomatic process. She warned that such tactics can create confusion, disrupt bilateral efforts, and have a negative impact on local communities, especially those that rely on cross-border trade and movement. Thailand has since proposed holding a Regional Border Committee meeting at the military level and formally communicated this proposal to Phnom Penh.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the unity between Thailand’s civilian leadership and military in defending national sovereignty. She dismissed allegations of internal division and urged all parties to avoid miscommunication that could lead to unnecessary tension.
The preceding is a press release from the Thai Government PR Department.
