Cambodia has officially rejected an ultimatum, issued by Thailand’s 1st Army Region commander, calling on Cambodia to submit an evacuation plan for their civilians settled in three contested border areas, before he will attend the Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting, scheduled to start on Friday.
According to a letter dated October 6, issued by deputy commander of Cambodia’s 5th Military Region, Cambodia rejects the demand, reiterating that the RBC mechanism does not have the authority to determine or alter boundary lines or manage civilian relocations.
It stated that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).
The Thai ultimatum was outlined in a letter dated October 3, sent by First Army Region commander Lt Gen Worayos Luangsuvan to Lt Gen Lt Gen Ek Sam Aun, deputy commander-in-chief of Cambodia’s Military Region 5.
Worayos stressed that he would co-chair the special RBC meeting in Banteay Meanchey province of Cambodia, but only if the evacuation plan for Cambodian civilian settlers in Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaeo in Khok Sung district, and Ban Ta Phraya in Ta Phraya district of Sa Kaeo province, is submitted by October 7 and presented during the RBC meeting.
Cambodia’s letter further noted that border-related issues, involving Chok Chey and Prey Chan villages, should be resolved in accordance with Point 8 of the GBC agreement, which designates the JBC as the appropriate mechanism for handling joint survey and demarcation matters.
The 5th Military Region also stated that there are areas presently occupied by Thai nationals on land Cambodia considers to be within its territory.
Cambodia reiterated its request for a JBC meeting to be held at the earliest opportunity and emphasised the importance of avoiding any action that could affect the safety or livelihoods of civilians on either side of the border.
