Thai Army Rejects Cambodian Border Claims, Disputes Displacement Figures

Army spokesperson Lieutenant General Winthai Suvaree rebutted Cambodian government spokesperson Pen Bona, who stated Cambodia would not accept border demarcation by military force and accused Thailand of unilateral actions, including erecting barbed-wire fences and preventing Cambodian civilians from returning to their homes, while threatening to use diplomatic and international legal channels.

First, Thailand is not using military force to establish new borders. Thai soldiers' actions are to maintain security and safety within Thai sovereignty, not to change the borderline as Cambodia claims.

Second, regarding Cambodia's claim that over 20,000 people cannot return to their homes, Thai verification found only about 4,600 people in the Nong Chan, Nong Ya Khao, and Klong Paeng areas — far fewer than Cambodia's figure. These areas lie within Thai sovereignty and have faced Cambodian civilian encroachment for over 40 years. The encroachment issue must be separated from the displaced-persons issue to avoid confusion. Thailand affirms it will address the matter on humanitarian grounds and through existing bilateral mechanisms.

Third, the installation of barbed-wire fences and barriers is a defensive security measure to prevent encroachment and reduce the risk of confrontations or incidents affecting civilians and personnel. It is not the establishment of a new international border.

Lieutenant General Winthai said Thailand remains committed to peaceful resolution under joint agreements and bilateral mechanisms, supporting diplomatic channels. However, diplomacy must be based on facts and genuine intent to solve the problem, not on repeated accusations that ignore the truth.