On 14 February 2012, Mr. Bandhit Sotipalalit, Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, and his counterpart, Mr. Var Kim Hong, Senior Minister in Charge of Border Affairs of Cambodia, co-chairs of the Thai – Cambodian Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC), held a joint press conference on the results of the Fifth Meeting of the JBC on 13 – 14 February 2012 in Bangkok. Gist as follows:

1. The Thai co-chair stated that both sides had a constructive exchange of views in a cordial atmosphere which would contribute to bilateral relations and progress within the JBC framework. He also reiterated that the meeting was technical in nature and that both sides had agreed to implement what could be done first with a view to moving forward the JBC’s work. As for issues yet to be agreed upon, both sides would set those aside until conditions were conducive. The Cambodian co-chair stressed that the meeting was a success considering its absence over the past two years. This marked a new era of relations between Thailand and Cambodia whereby both countries could utilize consultations and maintain mutual trust. 

2. The Thai co-chair further stated that both sides agreed to (1) prepare for a joint detail survey for the new international point of entry at Nong Ian village, Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo Province, Thailand, adjacent to Stung Bot village, Banteay Meanchey Province of Cambodia. The Joint Survey Team would commence its detail survey on 5 March 2012. He also reaffirmed that the opening of the new international point of entry would not affect ongoing boundary discussions, (2) commence a joint field survey to find locations as well as conditions of the boundary pillars 1 – 23 in Sector 5 after the completion of the detail survey at Nong Ian village, and (3) task their technical officials to prepare for the production of orthophoto maps of the boundary by reviewing the technical specifications and selecting a production agency.

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15 February 2012