Cambodia has once again brought its border conflicts with Thailand to the United Nations, only to face strong counterstatements from Bangkok, which called the claims a fabrication intended for political gain.
“It is deeply regrettable that we need to respond to comments made by a Cambodian colleague. A humanitarian forum like this should not be used to spread misinformation and unfounded accusations for political gain,” said Pratana Disyatat, deputy Permanent Representative at Thailand’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office in Geneva.
She was speaking during the 76th session of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner’s Programme (ExCom).
She was given two minutes of “right to reply” to respond to what Dara In, Cambodia’s Permanent Representative told the floor earlier.
Dara In claimed armed incursions from Thailand have displaced civilians, destroyed homes and pagodas, and threatened mass forced evictions which violated international law, including the UN Charter and the Fourth Geneva Convention, and undermined bilateral agreements.
File photo: Dara In
“The human toll is profound. Families flee in fear; livelihoods vanish overnight; monks, teachers, and children abandon sanctuaries once devoted to faith and learning.”
Cambodia emphasized that its conduct has been guided by law and restraint, while calling for humanitarian access and removal of unlawful barricades.
“Restraint must not be mistaken for acquiescence. Targeting civilians, detaining soldiers, and threatening communities strike at the heart of the international legal order,” Dara said.
Pratana told the UN floor that the villages referenced by Cambodia are on Thai territory, and their existence stems from Thailand’s decision to open its borders in the late 1970s to provide shelter to hundreds of thousands of Cambodians fleeing civil war.
“This decision was made out of compassion and humanitarian principle, consistent with Thailand’s long-standing humanitarian tradition,” Pratana said.
These sites were originally temporary shelters under UNHCR supervision for Cambodians awaiting resettlement in third countries.
After the Cambodian conflict ended, the shelters were closed, but over time, some Cambodians moved in and expanded the settlements. Despite repeated Thai protests over encroachment, Cambodia had not taken responsibility.
“Recently, the Cambodian military has encouraged civilians, including children, women, and monks—to enter these areas and engage in provocative actions against Thailand, escalating tensions,” she said.
“This is a serious violation of Thailand’s sovereignty and domestic laws, as well as existing bilateral frameworks and international human rights commitments under the Geneva Conventions.”
“Thailand act out of the humanitarian tradition and good neigbourlyness should not be repaid by Cambodia in this way,” she said.
On the issue of prisoners of war, Pratana reiterated that 18 POWs were captured during renewed hostilities initiated by Cambodia in breach of the ceasefire.
She said the detainees were treated humanely, with regular access from the ICRC, and would be released upon the cessation of hostilities.
“Cambodia’s continued actions today, escalating violence and internationalizing the issue instead of using existing bilateral mechanisms, cast doubt on its willingness to cooperate in good faith,” she said.
