Sa kaeo: The Royal Thai Army has clarified that Ban Nong Chan is within Thai territory and was originally a refuge for Cambodians.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ban Nong Chan area, located in Non Mak Mun Subdistrict, Khok Sung District, Sa Kaeo Province, has been a point of contention due to its location on the Thai-Cambodian border between Boundary Markers 46 and 47.
The area was initially a temporary camp for Cambodians fleeing conflict, but its expansion has violated MOU 43, causing ongoing protests from the Thai side. Recently, Cambodians complained about barbed wire fencing laid by Thai soldiers, claiming it encroached on their territory. However, Army spokesman Major General Winthai Suwaree clarified that the area is firmly within Thai territory.
The disagreement stems from differing interpretations of boundary marker locations, with Cambodia asserting that the markers have been shifted into its territory. To address this, bilateral mechanisms such as the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) are essential for a long-term resolution.
In 1977, during the Cambodian conflict, the Thai government allowed Cambodian citizens to temporarily seek refuge as a humanitarian gesture. However, some refugees remained in Thailand even after the situation stabilized. The barbed wire installations, according to the Thai Army, are not intended to delineate borders but to enhance security and prevent illegal landmine use.
Cambodia has been accused of violating agreements by encouraging permanent settlements in disputed territories and outside Thai-held areas, despite continuous protests from the Royal Thai Army and efforts to resolve the issue peacefully since 2014. The Thai side claims that Cambodia's actions are strategically planned to avoid direct military confrontation and garner international sympathy.
The Army spokesman emphasized that Thailand's humanitarian efforts should not be misrepresented by Cambodia to undermine Thailand's international standing. The situation is being closely monitored to prevent any misinterpretation of Thailand's actions, urging the international community to understand the true nature of Thailand's humanitarian assistance.