Cambodia requested that the GBC meeting be held in Malaysia, while Thailand insisted it must take place only at the border in Chanthaburi province. They also explained their reasons and reaffirmed the approach of resolving the issue through bilateral mechanisms.
On 23 Dec, reporters reported that earlier this morning, the Secretariat of the General Border Committee (GBC) from Cambodia sent a letter expressing the desire to hold a special GBC meeting to discuss solutions for the ongoing fighting along the Thailand-Cambodia border on 24 Dec in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Thai side has now sent a letter rejecting this, insisting the meeting be held at Ban Laem district, Chanthaburi province, to emphasize bilateral problem-solving and not to hold it in a third country.
Later in the afternoon, additional news from the Ministry of Defense revealed Thailand's stance for the 24 Dec GBC meeting. Gen. Natthaphon Nakpanich, Minister of Defense, along with his team, will attend the meeting at the Chanthaburi border. Several positions have been set, such as Thailand’s firm view that Cambodia’s armed forces have violated multiple international rules. The GBC meeting must include clear technical details; if the Secretariat cannot agree, Thailand might not participate or sign. Thailand also listed five violations by Cambodia: 1. Possession, production, and use of new anti-personnel mines; 2. Using ancient sites as military bases; 3. Using communities as firing points for heavy weapons, then returning civilians after firing; 4. Using civilian buildings as weapons depots, including those linked to scammers and casinos utilized militarily; 5. Using civilians as human shields and as tools for accusations when losses occur.
Additionally, communication will clarify Thailand’s accusations about the 'mines' and why the 'use of ancient sites' is a serious issue. Thailand states that Cambodia ‘hides within civilian areas,’ meaning firing heavy weapons then retreating into communities or using civilian buildings as bases or arms depots, endangering civilians and limiting Thailand’s responses, which are based on protecting civilians. Regarding the 'scammer/casino' issue, Thailand clarifies that the target is military positions, not anti-scammer operations; but when the opposing side uses such places militarily, they become legitimate military targets under the principle of military necessity. Thailand emphasizes that 'civilians are not weapons,' and placing civilians near military sites increases risks to them. Thailand confirms its adherence to distinguishing targets and protecting civilians, verifiable by evidence.
Regarding whether Thailand will cease fire before the GBC meeting, Thai sources say, 'As long as firing continues, Thailand must respond proportionally and as necessary.' At the same time, Thailand remains open to ceasefire negotiations through the GBC to make the ceasefire meaningful and enforceable. Thailand states that if key technical frameworks cannot be agreed upon—such as deployment lines, verification mechanisms, enforcement procedures, and details giving real effect to the ceasefire—it will refuse to attend or sign any vague agreement.
Thailand explains that Chanthaburi was chosen as the meeting venue because it is safer and more stable compared to some conflict areas, and to assure the Cambodian delegation’s security. The three-step approach mentioned by the Defense Minister is: 1. Attempt negotiations to avoid conflict; 2. Try to establish ceasefire if clashes occur; 3. If repeated hostile acts and insincerity persist, move to more intensive, detailed negotiations with appropriate countermeasures.