His remarks came in response to Cambodia’s formal invitation for Thailand to join the meeting, which Phnom Penh hopes will advance long-delayed border demarcation efforts, reports the Bangkok Post.
Mr Sihasak said changes to the composition of Thailand’s JBC delegation must first be finalised before Bangkok can confirm its participation.
Even if the meeting takes place, it would not immediately lead to border demarcation, he said, urging against expectations of rapid progress on the long-standing boundary issue.
Mr Sihasak said Thailand had informed Cambodia any JBC meeting on the Thai side must first pass domestic procedures.
These include approval for a new Thai JBC structure and the appointment of commissioners from state agencies. Once the internal process is completed, Thailand would be ready to proceed.
Asked whether he would chair the Thai JBC, Mr Sihasak said the position should be held by a technical expert, noting the commission focuses heavily on international law and boundary matters. The role requires specialised expertise and participation from key agencies, he added.
He acknowledged Cambodia’s efforts to press for an early meeting but said Thailand must follow its own timeline. Mr Sihasak said he may discuss the issue with Cambodia’s foreign minister on the sidelines of the ASEAN leaders’ summit in early May.
On historical boundary documents, Mr Sihasak said France had cooperated with Thailand by allowing access to archival materials.