The former Nong Chan refugee camp was located on Khmer territory during the 1980s and 90s. No Thai civilians lived there, and no Thai military were stationed there. A canal marked the boundary between Cambodia and Thailand, according to locals who often visited Nong Chan, which is currently being claimed by the Thai side.
A local man named Nat, 60, from Anlong Veng district, Oddar Meanchey province, who once lived in a camp near Nong Chan, told The Post that towards the end of the Khmer Rouge regime, numerous camps along the border served as shelters for civilians, all built on Khmer soil.
“In 1979, I went to the old camp, and in 1982, I visited Nong Chan. There, I saw only our people and UN personnel providing food and medicine to our refugees. No Thai people lived there. Our people lived on our land, from Nong Chan to the old camp, Chamkar Kor camp, Phnom Chat camp, and Prey Chan — all on Khmer territory,” he said.
He explained that in 1983, the Cambodian armed forces and allied troops launched strong attacks to control several border camps. It was only then that people fled to various camps in Thailand, such as Khao I Dang, Site B, Site 2 and Site K. Nong Chan camp was permanently closed in 1984.
Nat recalled that in the 1980s, the area had no farmland or plantations and was merely a forested region. A dam separated the Cambodia-Thailand border was erected, with Thai civilians and soldiers living on the other side along the canal and dam.
Another resident, Siv Eng, 79, also from Anlong Veng, visited friends and relatives who sought refuge in Nong Chan. She confirmed to The Post that the camp was on Khmer soil. Only Khmer people lived there, along with the UN workers who provided aid during Cambodia’s civil war, with no Thai presence in the area.
She added that after Nong Chan was closed, Thai civilians and soldiers likely entered the area, but Khmer soldiers remained stationed there.
“That camp was on Khmer land. When we closed the camp and our people left, we still had troops stationed there. Only later did the Thais come in,” she said.
Having personally visited Nong Chan, the 79-year-old woman expressed her determination to protect Khmer land at all costs.
“As for me, I’m resolute that this land won’t go to Thailand, no matter what it takes — losing arms or legs, I won’t let this land go because it’s Khmer land,” she declared.
Nat expressed disappointment and frustration over Thailand’s claim to Nong Chan, as he had lived and visited the area himself. He believes that the unity of the people is the best strength in defending the territory.
