Cambodia and Thailand Fail to Reach Agreement on Preparatory Documents Ahead of Regional Border Committee Meeting

Cambodia and Thailand failed to reach an agreement to sign the preparatory documents for the upcoming Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting, due to differences on several key points.

This deadlock follows three days of intensive discussions between the secretariats of the two kingdoms, from 27 to 29 January 2026, at the international border checkpoint of Poipet in Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey province, opposite Thailand's Sa Kaeo province.In the presence of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), the meeting aimed to uphold the spirit of the joint declaration from the 3rd Special Session of the General Border Committee (GBC) held on 27 December 2025, which ended three weeks of deadly armed conflict along the border.

Progress of the Talks

The Cambodian delegation, led by Major General Sor Kimpak, head of the Cambodian RBC Secretariat under the 5th Military Region, met with the Thai delegation led by Major General Pittayakul Posuwan (or Phittayakool Pothisuwan, according to some sources), chairman of the Thai RBC Secretariat of the 1st Army Area.Discussions focused on drafting a memorandum of understanding to organize a special RBC meeting centered on regional military issues. Despite the exchange of documents, no consensus was reached on several crucial points, which were not publicly disclosed, preventing the scheduled signing on 29 January.The spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense, Major General Maly Socheata, confirmed that the meeting ended without a formal agreement.

Reactions

On the Cambodian side, Maly Socheata emphasized that both delegations would return to their respective headquarters to continue written exchanges and negotiations until consensus is reached. A signing ceremony and the RBC meeting will then follow, in the spirit of easing tensions and promoting border peace cooperation.In Thailand, the 1st Army Area confirmed the absence of a finalized memorandum, underscoring the need for further discussions to produce a draft that serves bilateral objectives.Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow played down the apparent failure, portraying it instead as a positive sign of continuing dialogue rather than a breakdown, calling for direct communication through the RBC framework and careful language to avoid perceived interference.He also mentioned ongoing consultations with border communities and businesses to ensure that Thai policy remains grounded in their realities.

Historical Context of Tensions

This stalemate is rooted in a longstanding border dispute, reignited in late 2025 by armed clashes that claimed lives on both sides in contested areas such as those near Preah Vihear or the Emerald Triangle.The ceasefire of 27 December 2025, achieved during a GBC meeting in Phnom Penh, marked a fragile return to stability, with mutual commitments to partial demilitarization and cooperation.However, differences persist regarding exact demarcation, territorial sovereignty, and military operations—issues further complicated by domestic political considerations in both countries. ASEAN observation adds transparency but cannot entirely prevent setbacks.

Outlook and Next Steps

Both parties explicitly agreed to resume the exchange of documents remotely, aiming for a swift consensus to convene a new RBC session and proceed with formal signing.As of 30 January 2026, no new dates have been set, but official statements suggest that talks will resume soon—possibly in February—under AOT mediation if needed.Sihasak has called for a patient and confident approach, prioritizing the sustainability of agreements beyond mere paperwork. Some analysts believe that, if tensions remain contained, an agreement could emerge by mid-February, averting renewed hostilities thanks to ASEAN pressure and strong bilateral economic interests (tourism, cross-border trade). However, delays could rekindle local tensions, highlighting the urgency of a clear legal framework such as the 2000 Convention on the Management of Undemarcated Borders.

Regional Implications

Beyond the two kingdoms, this impasse tests ASEAN cohesion in handling internal disputes, recalling past crises such as the 2008–2011 Preah Vihear conflict adjudicated by the International Court of Justice.A peaceful resolution would strengthen the bloc’s credibility, while a prolonged deadlock could undermine Southeast Asia’s stability.Both governments, aware of the stakes, continue to prioritize military dialogue as a way to ease diplomatic friction. Time will tell whether these exchanges lead to a tangible breakthrough in the coming weeks.