Thailand
More than 200 markers installed along Laos-Thailand border
Some 210 markers have been installed along the border between Laos and Thailand, covering most of the two countries’ 735km land border.
This was reported at the 11th meeting of the Joint Border Committee, which took place on January 17-19 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The meeting was co-chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith and his Thai counterpart Don Pramudwinai.
The two countries’ total border length, on both land and water, is 1,835km.
A survey in preparation for installation of the border markers started in May 1997. Today, 210 markers have been installed along a distance of 676km, comprising 93 percent of the 735km land border.
This means that 37 percent of the whole border has now been demarcated.
In Bangkok, the Joint Border Committee reviewed the implementation of the record of the 10th meeting held in Vientiane in January 2015 and evaluated the progress of demarcation over the past two years.
“Even though the resolution of border problems has not met the target, our border cooperation has strengthened mutual trust and understanding in paving the way for the faster addressing of deficiencies,” a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
Four documents recording the minutes of the Joint Senior Officials Meeting and three documents noting the minutes of the Joint Technical Subcommittee were adopted at the meeting.
Meeting participants heard and approved the progress made in surveys and land marker installation by the Joint Technical Subcommittee as carried out from December 21, 2014 to July 31, 2017.
In particular the survey and identification of the border at the Phadai rapids and the repair of marker 2-05 was noted.
The Joint Border Committee also clarified the path of the border at Phouphamon and Huak-Kewhok village, as well as the survey and plans for marker 33-34.
Additional surveys were carried out in three villages and along the Heuang River, while Huay Don was mapped on a 1:5,000 scale.
The committee heard about the survey carried out in the Thong Nongbua area and approved the modification of its GPS.
With regard to demarcation of the border along the Mekong River, the meeting reported the results of mapping of the river on a 1:25,000 scale, with the border drawn on it, and the results of a satellite survey of 167 points along the riverbank.
The committee also discussed the path of the border that has yet to be agreed. Senior officials were asked to investigate the situation in three areas: Phou Phamon, the three aforementioned villages, and the area at the source of the Heuang River.
The committee tasked a joint legal working group to discuss the matter and find solutions to disagreements concerning areas of the border that were contentious.
A target date for the completion of demarcation in land areas was set for 2020, while on water the date was set at 2021.
The meeting took place in an atmosphere of goodwill, producing sincere and constructive discussion by the two neighbours, the press release noted, adding that the talks were a step forward in the acceleration of border survey and marker installation towards meeting the completion date.
Source: http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/FreeConten_More.php