The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has expressed strong concerns over recent claims by Thai authorities and media suggesting that Cambodian citizens are “Invading” Thai territory.
Reports have been published on several official Thai websites — particularly the Spokesperson’s Office of the Royal Thai Navy and the Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defence Command, as well as The Nation Thailand — that Cambodians have occupied land at 17 locations from Pursat province to Koh Kong, including Pursat’s Veal Veng district, opposite Mueang district in Trat province, Thailand.
In a statement issued today, September 25, the foreign ministry emphasised that it is important to acknowledge the fact that, while both countries have yet to demarcate several segments of the shared border, people on both sides have lived on and cultivated the lands for decades in many un-demarcated areas.
“This has given rise to disputes or differences that both sides have previously been amicably addressed through the General Border Committee, Complicated issues have generally been referred to the Joint Commission for Demarcation of Land Boundary (JBC), in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding on the Survey and Demarcation of Land Boundary, signed in 2000,” it said.
It also highlighted that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to avoid actions that could escalate tensions or expand the area of disputes, during the Special General Border Committee Meeting which concluded on September 10.
“Cambodia has been exercising utmost restraint and strictly complying with the ceasefire terms, in line with shared aspiration expressed that it is now time for both sides to jointly endeavour to promote conducive atmosphere for further de-escalation, mutual confidence building and work toward normalcy,” the ministry added.
It described efforts to “hype up” the issues, like recent releases by the Thai navy, as “unconstructive”, and called on the Thai side to resolve the issue through the JBC, which is due to meet next month.
The ministry also reiterated Cambodia’s consistent and unwavering commitment to seeking amicable resolution to all border disputes with Thailand, as with all its neighbours, through peaceful means in accordance with international law, while remaining resolute in upholding its principled position that borders must not be changed by force.
