Almost a month on from ceasefire, doubts remain about Thai commitment to peace

Thais forces have placed a Buddha statue on occupied Cambodian territory. Supplied

#National

Almost a month since the most recent ceasefire agreement took effect, Cambodia remains perturbed by the actions of the Thai military, which appears to be acting in a manner that contradicts the spirit of the agreement. More shipping container barriers have reportedly been placed at several border areas, and thousands of families have been blocked from returning to their homes.

Section 3 of the December 27 ceasefire tasked the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) of both countries with resuming border survey and demarcation work, in accordance with the existing agreement. The Thais have repeatedly delayed JBC meetings, while their forces reportedly continue to destroy Cambodian homes.

According to government spokesperson Pen Bona, among the latest activities carried out by the Thai military was the installation of a Buddha statue in Preah Vihear province, on the site where Thai forces tore down a statue of Vishnu.

They have also installed additional shipping containers as barriers and dug trenches in the Boeung Trakuon area of Banteay Meanchey province.

“Cambodia appeals to Thailand to implement all points of the December 27 Joint Statement and other relevant agreements to de-escalate tensions, in order to build trust and restore peace along the borders of both countries,” Bona told a press briefing today, January 21.

He also mentioned a January 16 incident, when the Thai military were seen laying razor wire barricades in Pursat province’s Thma Da area, blocking Cambodian civilians from returning to their homes.

He reiterated that Cambodia wished to solve all disputes peacefully, based on the principles of international law and other internationally recognised agreements and treaties, while also vowing not to recognise border lines that were drawn by force.

The government spokesperson unit highlighted that under Section 1 of the Joint Statement, both signatories agreed to maintain troop positions in their “current positions”, as they stood on the day of the ceasefire, and refrain from further deployments.

“Crucially, the term ‘current positions’ does not constitute recognition of sovereignty nor confer legal ownership; it was a temporary measure intended solely to halt bloodshed and reduce tensions,” it explained, via social media.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Prak Sokhonn told Chinese media outlet CGTN Frontline on January 20 that around 150,000 Cambodians cannot return to their homes, either due to ongoing security risks or because their villages are under Thai military occupation.

He expressed Cambodia’s thanks to China for their efforts to support peace through diplomatic channels, as well as financial support of approximately $2.8 million for displaced persons.

While Cambodia, a smaller state in terms of military might, has committed to respect for the joint agreement, Thai forces are reportedly continuing to use heavy machinery to demolish Cambodian homes behind the shipping container barricades.

-The Phnom Penh Post-