The Royal Thai Army has dismissed Cambodia’s recent protest over Thai border enforcement, insisting that all actions have been carried out strictly within Thailand’s sovereign territory.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on September 20th alleging that Thai authorities had applied domestic laws to Cambodian citizens in Banteay Meanchey province, accusing Thailand of operating in disputed areas.
Army Spokesperson Major General Winthai Suwaree rejected the claim, stressing that the locations in question lie clearly within Thailand’s borders and not in mutually claimed zones. He said every nation has the right to enforce its domestic laws within its territory and maintained that Thailand’s measures align with international norms.
In response to Cambodia’s accusation of violating the UN Charter, Maj Gen Winthai argued that Cambodia itself has breached international obligations by staging civilian provocations, conducting armed incursions, and planting anti-personnel landmines on Thai soil—even after ceasefire agreements were signed.
On the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding on border demarcation, the Army pointed to Cambodia’s repeated non-compliance, noting that Thailand has lodged more than 500 protests over the past two decades regarding Cambodian construction and settlements in contested or Thai-administered areas.
The Army reiterated Thailand’s stance on resolving border issues peacefully. Officials said enforcement measures near the frontier are carried out under Thai law and international principles, with the sole purpose of safeguarding sovereignty and maintaining security.
Source: Thai national news Bureau
