Phnom penh: H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Spokeswoman of the Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia, this afternoon issued a press release updating the public on the progress of the humanitarian demining operations in priority areas along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the press release detailed the establishment of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Coordinating Task Force (JCTF), which was formed following the 1st Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) held in Koh Kong Province on September 10, 2025. This collaboration between Cambodia and Thailand aims to protect civilian lives and contribute to socio-economic development through coordinated demining efforts. The JCTF, led by the GBC secretariat from both countries with participation from the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) and the Thailand Mine Action Centre (TMAC), is responsible for determining pilot and priority border areas for demining.
The demining activities are conducted under the mandate and mechanism of the JCTF, ensuring no unilateral operations occur. Both nations are required to comply with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) established on October 23, 2025. The JCTF approves action plans for humanitarian demining operations, with CMAC and TMAC coordinating efforts independently in the designated areas. Unilateral operations are not allowed in undemarcated border areas, pending JCTF decisions.
All demining activities and minefield coordinates are conducted without influencing land boundary surveys or demarcations between Cambodia and Thailand. These matters remain under the jurisdiction of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), ensuring demining does not affect territorial claims.
Post-clearance, the status quo ante of the cleared areas is to be maintained. Both nations are to avoid altering the frontier environment, adhering to Article V of the Memorandum of Understanding on Land Boundary Survey and Demarcation, dated June 14, 2000.
The 2nd Special GBC Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on October 23, 2025, designated a pilot border area in O'Beichoan commune, Banteay Meanchey province, Cambodia, opposite Nonmak Moon commune, Sa Kaeo province, Thailand. CMAC and TMAC were tasked to verify minefield coordinates on November 7, 2025, and develop a detailed action plan for JCTF approval before commencing operations.