Phnom penh: The Cambodia-Thailand Joint Coordinating Task Force (JCTF) convened its first meeting via VTC this morning, according to H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Spokeswoman for the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence. The meeting marks a significant step in collaborative efforts aimed at addressing the issue of landmines along the shared border.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the meeting followed the outcome of the First Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC), held on September 10, 2025, in Koh Kong province, Cambodia. During this meeting, both nations agreed to establish the JCTF to coordinate humanitarian demining activities in priority areas along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

Cambodia’s engagement in mine and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance has been ongoing since 1992. Over the past 33 years, the Kingdom has made notable progress, successfully reducing annual mine casualties from approximately 4,000 in the 1990s to fewer than 100 in 2020. During this time, Cambodia has cleared about 3,307 square kilometres of land and destroyed over 4.3 million landmines and UXOs.

In addition to addressing its own challenges, Cambodia has evolved into an active contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations. The country has also extended its demining expertise to assist other conflict-affected nations, showcasing its commitment to global humanitarian efforts.