Smoke has been observed rising from three locations in the Boeung Trakuon area, which is currently under occupation by Thai armed forces. It is likely to be from Cambodian houses, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
In a March 21 press release, the ministry noted that Cambodia has lodged another formal protest against continued Thai actions that violate Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity following the December 27 ceasefire.
In addition to the Boeung Trakuon area, the ministry shared that on March 18, Thai armed forces, together with Royal Forest Department and land survey officials, conducted land surveying activities and allocated three land plots to Thai citizens in the area of Chouk Chey village, O’Beichoan commune, in Banteay Meanchey province’s O’Chrov district, along the border between boundary pillars 46 and 47.
“The Royal Government of Cambodia emphasises that Cambodia does not accept any boundary line or territorial claim unilaterally asserted by Thailand. The above activities shall not prejudice the legal rights and position of the Kingdom of Cambodia with respect to the demarcation of its international boundary,” the ministry stated.
Cambodia called upon Thailand to immediately cease these activities and de-escalate the situation and foster mutual trust, peace, stability and good neighbourliness along the border.
“The Royal Government of Cambodia wishes to reaffirm its consistent and unwavering commitment to seeking an amicable resolution to all boundary disputes with Thailand, as with all its neighbours, exclusively through peaceful means in accordance with international law and bilateral agreements, while remaining resolute in upholding its principled position that borderlines must not be changed by force,” the ministry added.
