Thailand accused of occupying deep territory in Cambodia following ceasefire

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has expressed concerns over the ongoing occupation of parts of Cambodian territory by Thai forces. In an interview with Reuters, Manet stated that Thai troops have been placed in areas within Cambodian territory, rendering approximately 80,000 people unable to return home.

Manet attributed this situation to the protracted border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand last year, which resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of thousands of displaced persons. He also noted that shipping containers and barbed wire had been installed by Thai forces in several provinces, including Pursat and Banteay Meanchey.

The Cambodian leader called on Thailand to begin demarcation through the Joint Boundary Commission process, which has been stalled since national elections in 2023. Manet stated that he hopes Thailand will start demarcating the border “on a technical level” to facilitate the return of displaced persons to their homes.

Manet also mentioned that US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace could play a role in helping de-escalation and restoring peace and stability in Cambodia. He described the group as a “valuable addition” to existing international mechanisms.

The Cambodian Prime Minister acknowledged that his country’s relationships with the US and China are not mutually exclusive, despite negative international attention on Cambodia’s human rights record. Manet defended his government’s response to cyber-scamming centers, stating that they exist but do not necessarily imply endorsement or inaction.

Manet will attend a meeting of Trump’s Board of Peace in Washington, DC, where he is expected to discuss various regional issues.

Source: Al Jazeera