Cambodia has lodged a formal protest against Thailand, which continues to accuse Cambodia of violating its territorial integrity, while urging Thailand to show a genuine commitment to implementing the current Donald Trump-backed ceasefire.
Cambodia also demanded that Thailand remove the barricades which were recently erected inside Cambodia.
Despite Cambodia’s tolerance and respect for the ceasefire, some of the barriers have prevented Cambodian villagers from entering their own homes.
Speaking at a press briefing this morning, August 20, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation spokesperson Nong Sakol said that Cambodia has firmly adhered to the ceasefire to promote long-term peace between the two neighbouring countries.
“Despite Thai accusations that Cambodia encroached on their territory, the Cambodia Joint Border Commission (JBC) Secretariat and the foreign ministry have lodged a formal protest against the Thai military for placing razor wire and tyre barricades inside our territory,” he said.
“The Cambodian JBC urged Thai forces to remove all barricades that violate our territory. We believe that such actions have caused severe impacts on trust-building between the two nations. Cambodia appeals to Thailand to respect the bilateral agreement and all other international obligations,” he added.
Sakol also thanked the international community, especially the US, for their observation of the border situation, particularly the ceasefire implementation, as mentioned by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on August 19.
“We once again thank President Donald Trump for his efforts to make the ceasefire a reality,” he said.
He also thanked the EU, Japan and China for the provision of financial relief to the people displaced by the recent armed clashes.
“I express, on behalf of the Cambodian people and the government, our sincere thanks for the sympathy and humanitarian assistance,” he said.
Sakol also protested a statement made by acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who said Thailand was preparing legal action against Cambodian leaders, including Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate president Hun Sen.
“His statement shows an intentional attempt to destroy peacebuilding and profoundly affects the trust-building that both countries should prioritise to end the conflict. Both sides should build more trust, show sincerity and make all efforts to build peace, and find applicable measures to serve the interests of the people of both nations,” he said.
