Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence, has responded to claims by the Thai navy that Cambodian citizens have encroached on Thai territory, explaining that the sovereignty of the area in question, in Pursat province, was in fact resolved in 2022.
She suggested that any remaining issues should be addressed through the Joint Border Committee (JBC).
Her statement, made on the evening of September 16, concerned allegations made by the Thai Navy and the Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defence Command regarding the presence of a Cambodian settlement at Ekapheap village, in Veal Veng district’s Thma Da commune, which borders Thailand’s Ban Chamrak village, in Chamrak commune of Mueang district, Trat province.
According to Thai media, the Thai Navy accused Cambodia of encroaching on Thai territory at three locations, with alleged incursions of 15, 125, and 30 metres, based on a 1:50,000 scale map they produced themselves.
“Cambodia has already provided clear explanations, and through a response letter from Cambodia’s 5th Military Region on February 1, 2022, several issues were fully resolved,” said Socheata.
She did not specify the details of those resolutions.
“For other unresolved issues beyond the mandate of border units or local authorities, Cambodia has proposed that these matters be referred to the JBC for discussion and resolution, in line with the 2000 memorandum of understanding (MoU 2000) between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Royal Thai Government on the survey and demarcation of land boundaries,” she added.
She noted that Cambodia urges all parties to avoid actions that could escalate tensions or expand the conflict area, as it strives to create a conducive environment for fully and effectively implementing the ceasefire, including all agreements reached during the General Border Committee (GBC) and Regional Border Committee (RBC) meetings.
“Cambodia reaffirms its commitment to cooperate with Thailand at all levels to promote peace, stability, cooperation and development for the benefit of both our countries and peoples,” she said.
