Royal Thai Army Strongly Refutes 'Hun Manet', Affirms Defending Sovereignty According to International Rights

On February 19, 2024, Lieutenant General Winthay Suwaree, Army Spokesperson, responded to a Fresh News interview with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet published on Reuters on February 17, 2024, regarding the Thai military and ceasefire agreement. The spokesperson firmly rejected Manet's claims that the Thai military is occupying Cambodian territory, stating that Cambodia already knows the area belongs to Thailand. He emphasized that while Thailand previously provided refuge to Cambodian refugees during conflicts, Cambodian citizens and soldiers did not return to their country after the war. The Army spokesperson argued that the groups in question are not displaced persons, but individuals who have continuously encroached on Thai sovereignty, causing ongoing issues for Thai citizens. He stressed that Thailand's military actions were self-defensive measures aimed at protecting soldiers and citizens, fully compliant with the joint statement's ceasefire agreement. Regarding container and barbed wire installations, the spokesperson explained these were temporary security measures designed to reduce confrontation risks, particularly given Cambodia's history of using civilians to provoke tensions.