The Ministry of National Defence has provided updates on activities which have seen Thai armed forces violate the current ceasefire and encroach on Cambodian territory since yesterday, August 4.
In today’s update of the current situation at the border, the ministry noted that despite the ceasefire, the Thai military continues to dig trenches on Cambodian soil at the An Ses area, in Choam Khsant district, Preah Vihear province.
“At 9.09am on August 5, Thai machinery continued to excavate soil. At 9.50am, a Thai vehicle delivered concrete trenching materials, including tires and pre-made culverts, and unloaded them in front of their post. At 9.53am, Thai forces resumed digging trenches.
“At 10.55am, another Thai excavator was clearing land behind a police post, approximately 15 metres from Cambodian military positions, and continued placing culverts and tires into the trench,” it said.
“This is a brazen act by Thailand, violating the ceasefire and Cambodia’s territorial integrity. Since the morning of August 5, the Cambodian military has been communicating with the Thai military. They have demanded the immediate removal of barbed wire and machinery from Cambodia’s sovereign territory,” it added.
According to the ministry, as of now, no dismantling has occurred, although both sides are still in discussions.
Regarding the 18 Cambodian soldiers who were captured by Thai forces on July 29, the Royal Thai Army said that they had allowed the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Bangkok delegation to visit the Cambodian “prisoners of war” following international procedures.
The Thai Army announced this afternoon that the visit followed the standard procedures of the ICRC and was the result of Cambodian demands.
“It was intended to assess the living conditions of the prisoners of war and serve as a channel for communication with their families,” it said, adding that they are all in good health, with no injuries and are receiving appropriate care.
Cambodia continues to demand their immediate release.
