Army Refuses to Allow Displaced Return

Dispute Over Border Displacement Claims

The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has strongly denied allegations made by Phnom Penh, which claims that Thai forces are preventing the return of tens of thousands of displaced individuals. According to Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, a spokesperson for the RTA, these accusations are “grossly exaggerated” and do not reflect the actual situation along the border.

Maj Gen Winthai emphasized that the figures cited by Cambodian officials, including government spokesman Pen Bona, are far from reality. While Cambodia reported that over 35,000 people were unable to return home, with displacement numbers potentially reaching into the hundreds of thousands, the RTA stated that the actual number of affected individuals is only in the low thousands.

The affected communities are located in just three villages in Sa Kaeo province, all of which fall under Thai sovereignty, as explained by Maj Gen Winthai. He also addressed claims that Thai troops had used barbed wire and shipping containers to block movement, stating that such measures were temporary and aimed at reasserting control and organizing land use.

Temporary Measures for Stability

Maj Gen Winthai clarified that these measures were implemented following recent clashes to prevent renewed confrontations and ensure stability along the frontier. The deployment of obstacles and the maintenance of troop positions, he said, comply with the ceasefire agreement reached on December 27 last year. This agreement requires both sides to hold their ground in previously agreed positions.

Regarding Cambodia’s call for a meeting of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), Maj Gen Winthai noted that the army is keen on bilateral mechanisms but pointed out that current conditions are not conducive to immediate boundary demarcation.

Call for Responsible Communication

The RTA also urged Cambodia to communicate responsibly, warning that distorted information could undermine mutual trust and damage the overall atmosphere of cooperation between the two countries.

Key Points from the RTA Statement

• The RTA rejects claims that Thai forces are blocking the return of displaced people.
• The figures cited by Cambodian officials are considered exaggerated and inaccurate.
• Affected communities are located in only three villages in Sa Kaeo province, which are under Thai sovereignty.
• Barbed wire and shipping containers were used temporarily to maintain control and organize land use.
• These measures comply with the ceasefire agreement signed in December 2022.
• The RTA supports bilateral mechanisms but believes current conditions are not suitable for immediate boundary demarcation.
• The army calls for responsible communication from Cambodia to preserve trust and cooperation.