Bangkok: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs insists on enforcing Thai law in Thai territory and urges Cambodia to stop inciting. The Ministry reaffirmed that Thai law enforcement is confined to Thai territory, not in overlapping areas, and that it adheres to international standards, employing police for crowd control rather than military force. The Ministry urged Cambodia to cease inciting and distorting the international community, which has led to a deepening rift in relations.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nikorndej Plangkura, Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed Thailand’s enforcement of Thai law against Cambodian citizens who intruded into the villages of Nong Chan and Nong Ya Kaeo to protest. He confirmed that Thailand enforces its domestic law against individuals residing in Thailand, not in areas claimed by either side, as Cambodia has attempted to distort. Thailand’s actions are in accordance with sovereignty and international standards accepted by all countries. Regarding Cambodia’s accusation that Thailand intentionally distorted the map showing the geography and location of boundary markers 42 and 43, he confirmed that Thailand never specified the border line on the map, as border negotiations are under the mandate of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).
The map Thailand has presented is merely an unofficial map of the border coordinates used to create a simulation of the border line for the general public’s understanding.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson also addressed Cambodia’s allegations that Thailand violated the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on land boundary surveys and demarcation. Cambodia, however, is the one who violated the law by allowing the construction of buildings and communities both within areas claimed by both sides and within areas under Thai sovereignty. Thailand has protested this over 500 times within the MOU over the past 20 years, but Cambodia has ignored it and refused to address the issue.
Regarding Cambodia’s call for Thailand to cease activities that undermine efforts to de-escalate tensions and the ceasefire agreement, Mr. Nikorndej reiterated that Thailand is committed to strictly adhering to the ceasefire agreement with the utmost restraint. All military operations are conducted for self-defense, to preserve sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to ensure the safety of the people of both sides. Meanwhile, Cambodia has violated these obligations by supporting, inciting, and staging Cambodian citizens to protest in an aggressive manner, causing unrest in Thai territory, and using violence against Thai police officers, resulting in numerous injuries. Thailand used riot police to control the situation in Ban Nong Ya Kaew, not military force as alleged by Cambodia. The operation, conducted in accordance with domestic law, is in accordance with international principles and standards.
Finally, Thailand urges Cambodia to cease expanding its communities and encroaching on Thai territory, and to inform its citizens who have encroached on Thai sovereignty to relocate. It also calls for the cessation of incitement and staging of protests by children, women, and monks, which could further deepen the conflict between the two countries.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson confirmed that Thailand has consistently honored its commitments, adhered to, and complied with the JBC mechanism and the ceasefire agreement. Thailand expressed disappointment that Cambodia continues to misrepresent the truth to the international community and its own people. What Thailand is calling for now is a demonstration of sincerity through Cambodia’s actions in resolving the issue, reaffirming that this is a problem that Thailand did not create and does not benefit the country in any way. Thailand has taken action and will continue to take various opportunities to clarify its position, stance, and facts regarding the Thai-Cambodian border situation to the international community, demonstrating that Thailand is a peace-loving country committed to ending the conflict with Cambodia peacefully through existing bilateral mechanisms.
Thailand has acted in accordance with international law and principles based on international law and various international principles. Regarding Cambodia’s actions, despite asserting its intention to resolve the issue through bilateral mechanisms, Thailand has instead attempted to portray itself as a victim and bring the issue to the international stage, demonstrating a lack of sincerity in resolving the issue. “Thailand reiterates that this conflict with Cambodia is something that Thailand did not want to happen and has no beneficial effect on the nations and peoples of both countries. Thailand is sincere and sincerely committed to finding a peaceful solution with Cambodia,” a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.