Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press statement on February 11 protesting repeated illegal actions by Thai armed forces in areas of Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey province that Thailand was illegally occupying. The protest followed reports from local authorities that Thai troops had destroyed more civilian infrastructure and administrative buildings in Boeung Trakuon, between border markers 33 and 36 in Thma Puok district, despite a ceasefire being in force and several agreements prohibiting such actions.
In the Chouk Chey village area, between border markers 46 and 47 inside Cambodian territory, trenches were being dug, a road built and a pond filled in. Cambodia, through its Foreign Ministry, regarded these changes to the area's geography as a clear attempt to legitimise the illegal occupation of Cambodian territory.
According to Cambodia's Foreign Ministry, these actions violate the UN Charter, the ASEAN Charter, the Joint Statement of the third special meeting of the General Border Committee, and the minutes of the special meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission. The Cambodian government reaffirmed its firm and unwavering commitment to resolving all border disputes peacefully and amicably with Thailand and all its neighbours, in accordance with international law and the principle that borders must not be changed by force.
By: Nget Pisant
