Cambodian forces withdrawn following Thai power cut pressure

The Cambodian government has agreed to pull its troops back from the disputed zone in Ubon Ratchathani’s Nam Yuen district, possibly out of fear that Thailand would suspend electricity supplies to Cambodian border towns.

A military source, involved in the negotiations with the Cambodian side, said that on June 8 a senior Cambodian officer inquired whether reports that Thailand would cut electricity along the Thai-Cambodian border were true.

“The Thai army confirmed to them that it was true, but emphasised that the measure would be one of last resort if negotiations fail,” the source said.

Following this, Cambodian Deputy Army Chief Lt Gen Srey Doek requested a meeting with the Thai army through Gen Boonsin Padklang, commander of the 2nd Army Region.

Maj Gen Somphob Pharawet, commander of the Suranaree Task Force was assigned to meet with Srey Doek, which led to the troop withdrawal.

The decision was confirmed later that evening.

Not only did they move back to the position they occupied last year, but they also refilled the trenches they had dug in the disputed area.

Phnom Penh has characterised the move as a “repositioning and adjustment of its forces”, rather than a pullback or retreat.

Meanwhile Cambodia’s National Defence Ministry issued a statement today affirming that Cambodia has not withdrawn any troops from its sovereign territory.

It highlighted Cambodian troops have not been withdrawn from any area under Cambodia’s sovereignty, especially from positions that they have long-standing occupied.

Border tensions between the neighbouring countries began following a fatal clash on May 28, between troops in the disputed area, to which both sides claim ownership.

Prior to the clash, Cambodian troops had dug long trenches in the area, ignoring Thai protests that the move violated the existing Memorandum of Understanding.

After the clash, Thai forces retreated, but the Cambodian side refused to do so, prompting the Thai army to introduce new restrictions, including altering the opening and closing times of border checkpoints and restricting the movements of vehicles and people across the border.

The 2nd Army Region has issued a statement, saying it is considering suspension of the electricity supplies to nine areas in Cambodia as a last resort.