UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed the strong hope that the neighbouring Kingdoms of Thailand and Cambodia can resolve their border dispute peacefully, through dialogue and mutual commitment.
He shared his remarks during a September 26 meeting with Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn at the UN headquarters in New York City, the US, during the 80th UN General Assembly.
“His Excellency [António Guterres] informed that he had conveyed Cambodia’s concerns to his Thai counterpart and sought a resolution to this conflict, as ultimately, it is the people who suffer,” said a September 30 statement from the foreign ministry.
Sokhonn reaffirmed Cambodia’s stance, emphasising respect for multilateralism, the rules-based international order and peaceful conflict resolution, we well as adherence to the UN Charter and international law.
He expressed Cambodia’s gratitude to Guterres for his continued support in de-escalating tensions in the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute, particularly through positive statements urging both sides to refrain from using force.
The foreign minister also requested Guterres’ continued assistance in this matter. Cambodia will strive to reduce tensions, rebuild trust and restore normal relations with Thailand.
“Cambodia does not use its power to oppress any country, even those smaller than us, because what Cambodia seeks is peace. Having endured three decades of war and the tragedy of genocide, we understand war clearly, and what we want is peace, as demonstrated by our contributions to peacekeeping forces,” Sokhonn was quoted as saying.
Despite Guterres reportedly informing Thailand of Cambodia’s desire for a peaceful resolution, Thailand has continued to take provocative unilateral actions, such as attempting to survey land near the Cambodian border in Chouk Chey village on the morning of September 30.
Reports from the border area suggested that Thai soldiers accompanied surveyors to border markers 46 and 47 in Chouk Chey village, O Beichoan commune, Ou Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province.
Cambodian villagers and unarmed soldiers intervened to prevent them from taking unilateral action where no agreement has been reached.
Additionally, on September 28, banners were put up threatening to enforce Thai domestic law by expelling Cambodian villagers from Prey Chan and Chook Chey villages. This followed reports of Thai forces firing mortar rounds at the An Ses area in Preah Vihear province on September 27.
