Thailand denies Cambodia’s accusation of border change

Thailand has denied Cambodia’s claim that Thai troop movements are effectively altering the border line, insisting that it has fully complied with the ceasefire agreement by maintaining current troop deployments.

According to the Joint Press Centre on the Thai-Cambodian border situation, Thailand is strictly adhering to the terms of the joint statement issued by the two countries on December 27.

“There has been no movement of additional troops, no encroachment and no patrols directed towards the other side’s positions,” the press center said.

The clarification, issued on January 2, came in response to remarks by Cambodian government spokesperson Pen Bona, who said Cambodia would not accept any border changes resulting from the use of force.

He also warned that actions outside previous agreements would be illegal and a violation of the ceasefire.

The Thai side reiterated that there had been no reinforcement of troops, no encroachment and no patrols directed towards Cambodian positions, adding that activities carried out in areas under Thai control prior to the ceasefire do not constitute a border change.

Thai authorities also stressed that operations conducted in areas under Thai sovereign control, as recognised in the Joint Statement, were aimed at maintaining security.

“The deployment of Thai troops was intended to control and secure areas where Thailand previously maintained positions based on the situation on the ground before the ceasefire. Such actions do not constitute a border change,” the statement said.

Thailand added that the joint statement does not affect the ongoing border survey and demarcation process, which will continue through mutually agreed mechanisms, in particular the Joint Border Commission (JBC).

It also reaffirmed that Thailand is acting in accordance with international law, with the aim of maintaining peace, public safety and order without violating the sovereignty of any country.

Bangkok also said it remains committed to de-escalation, confidence building and the resolution of problems peacefully through bilateral channels.