Move comes minutes after international observers leave Prey Chan Village; action violates ceasefire and sparks outrage
Shortly after the Interim Observer Team (IOT) departed from Prey Chan village, at around 12.50pm this afternoon, October 10, Thai armoured bulldozers and other heavy equipment moved into Cambodian territory, under the pretext of conducting a demining operation.
In scenes reminiscent of Gaza, the heavy machines were seen clearing land inside Cambodia’s border where the Thai military had already laid razor wire barricades, an act which directly violated both the existing ceasefire agreement and Cambodia’s territorial integrity.
It also suggests that the presence of mines is unlikely, as Thai soldiers have already conducted many operations on the land in question.
The operation was guarded by hundred Thai armed forces and members of the public, while on the Cambodian side, only national and international media outlets were present to document and report on the encroachment.
The ASEAN IOT returned to Prey Chan and witnessed the bulldozers in action, shortly after the operation began.
The incident was described as drawing attention to Thailand’s continued abuse of the ceasefire and disregard for the monitoring process agreed upon by both sides.
It raises serious concerns over Thailand’s intentions, coming just moments after international monitors had completed their field inspection.
Earlier that morning, the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence, in coordination with the IOT, carried out a field mission to Chok Chey and Prey Chan villages in O’Bei Chon commune, Ou Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province, to observe ceasefire situation along the border.
According to defence ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata, the visit was conducted in line with the IOT’s objective of ensuring peace and stability on the border.
“In accordance with the plan, the IOT has conducted frequent visits to the aforementioned villages throughout the week, in order to monitor the prevailing situation,” said Socheata on press release.
Meanwhile, Thai media outlets continue to produce misleading reports about Cambodia’s border activities.
Day after day, Thai news outlets produce content which accuses Cambodia of provoking the situation through actions such as flying drones.
They have released what the defence ministry called “false and misleading” information about the situation along the border, citing unverified military activities and escalating tension.
According to reporting by The Nation Thailand, on October 9, Thailand’s Second Army region claimed that Cambodian forces were operating fourteen drones across multiple border locations — including (Preah Vihear Temple, which the Thais call Phra Viharn Temple), An Ses (Chong Arn Ma), Phlan Hin Paet Kon, Ta Krabei Temple (Ta Kwai Temple), the Mum Bei area (Chong Obok) and areas north of Hill 677 near Ban Oda — while also alleging the movement of convoys of trucks carrying cement, concrete slabs and soil for bunker reinforcement.
Similarly, Khaosod English re-used old images, reporting that the situation has become tense this afternoon, with hundreds of Cambodians gathering across from Prey Chan village (Ban Nong Ya Kaeo), setting up cameras to monitor Thai demining operations in Sa Kaeo Province.
“Nearly 100 Cambodian people have begun to gather, including children, the elderly and multiple journalists who have also set up a base,” it said.
Thai media also reported that Thai forces planned a demining operation in the areas of Prey Chan and Chok Chey villages on October 10, — a claim that coincided with their land-clearing activities, raising serious questions about Thailand’s intentions and respect for the ceasefire.
