Thailand accuses Cambodia of border violations

Bangkok says Cambodian citizens invade its territory, undermining sovereignty over refugee camp expansion.

The Thai government has reaffirmed its sovereignty over the border village of Ban Nong Chan in Khok Sung district of Sa Kaeo province amid concerns that Cambodia is trying to use the area to infiltrate the country, government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said, stressing that Ban Nong Chan had long served as a temporary refuge for Cambodians fleeing conflict and genocide under the Khmer Rouge regime.

Over time, the refuge area has expanded, violating a 2000 memorandum of understanding between the two countries on border demarcation.

According to Jiraju Houngsub, Thailand has shown restraint over the years, seeking to resolve differences through the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), acting as a mature and friendly neighbour.

However, Jiraju Houngsub said Cambodia had used its citizens to enter Thai territory, which was illegal and was creating tension on the border. The government spokesman stressed that Thailand’s humanitarian aid to hundreds of thousands of Cambodian war victims was now being used to undermine Thai sovereignty.

The recent installation of barbed wire fencing in Ban Nong Chan district is aimed at protecting Thailand’s sovereignty, ensuring the safety of its citizens, and preventing further incursions, said Jirayu Houngsub. He added that the fencing helps deter Cambodians from infiltrating into Thai territory to plant mines.

The measures are in line with a ceasefire agreement signed on August 7, in which both sides agreed not to build additional military infrastructure or fortifications outside their territory. The incident is the latest in a series of border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia that have a long history dating back to the colonial era.

In particular, the disputed area around the Preah Vihear temple has been the subject of a case before the International Court of Justice. The court ruled that the temple belongs to Cambodia, but the issue of the surrounding territories remains unresolved, leading to periodic clashes and tensions. Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, traditionally calls for a peaceful settlement of border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia, based on international law and mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Russian diplomacy emphasizes the need to continue dialogue and seek compromise solutions that contribute to strengthening stability and security in the Southeast Asian region.