PHNOM PENH: Accusations and counteraccusations continue to fly at the UN in Geneva, with the Thai and Cambodian representatives debating the origins of last year’s border clashes, including who initiated the conflict and Thai claims that Cambodian forces laid new landmines near the border.
During the 77th Session of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner’s Programme, held on Oct 14, Thai representative Benjamin Sukanjanajtee accused Cambodia of initiating the conflict and placing new landmines, as well as of encroaching on Thai territory.
Ke Sovann, Cambodia’s ambassador and permanent representative, used his right of reply to rebut the allegations.
“Cambodia categorically rejects the statement made by Thailand as false and unfounded, which misrepresents the situation on the ground and appear intended to mislead Member States. Cambodia neither initiated nor escalated the hostilities.
On May 28, 2025, Thai troops opened fire on a Cambodian military position, killing one Cambodian soldier. Following that incident, tensions heightened,” he said.
Sovann also noted that 20,000 Cambodian civilians remain displaced because they were forced to flee their homes in Cambodian territory due to the border conflict, which included shelling and airstrikes by Thai forces.
“UNHCR records confirm that the repatriation of Cambodian refugees from camps in Thailand was completed in March 1999, and all the camps were closed,” he highlighted, in response to Thai claims that the displaced civilians had been living on Thai land.
He called on Thailand to respect the internationally recognised border, based on recognised international boundaries determined by the 1904 Convention and the 1907 Treaty between France and Siam, with (1:200,000) scale map, which Thailand had acknowledged.
He also refuted claims that the kingdom’s soldier placed new landmines near the border.
“Cambodia has never laid new anti-personnel mines. The landmine incidents involving Thai soldiers occurred in documented legacy minefields within Cambodian territory left from the past civil war. Cambodia remains fully committed to its obligations under the Ottawa Convention,” he said.
He informed the session that Thai forces illegally occupied Cambodian territory and destroyed Cambodian homes, civilian infrastructure and cultural property within Cambodia.
“Cambodia strongly urges Thailand to immediately cease all unlawful activities in the areas of Cambodian territory under its illegal occupation, particularly any actions aimed at altering the situation on the ground or creating a fait accompli, and to allow and facilitate the early, safe and dignified return of displaced Cambodians to their homes,” he added. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
