After brief AOT-driven pause, Thais block Pursat road with shipping containers
Shipping containers were deployed this morning, February 7, to block a road in the Thma Da area in Pursat province. Supplied
#National
Early this morning, February 7, the Thai military blocked a major road on occupied ground in the Thma Da area of Pursat province. The Thais reportedly intended to install the containers yesterday but halted the work due to the presence of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT).
At around 5.40am, seven containers were placed in front of existing razor wire barricades, blocking an arterial road which connects to Koh Kong province.
Cambodian officials believe this action constitutes a violation of the ceasefire and of the Kingdom’s sovereignty.
More containers are reportedly being moved into place, along with additional razor wire. A large number of troops and armoured vehicles are also present at the scene.
A senior Cambodian official, who is closely involved in border described Thailand’s blocking of the road, preventing Cambodian civilians from accessing their homes, as a violation of the ceasefire and of Cambodia’s sovereignty.
“This is a brazen violation by Thailand against Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the international community must take immediate action regarding Thailand’s encroaching activities on Cambodian territory. We also call on Thailand to stop these activities immediately,” he said.
“Thailand, which portrays itself as a civilised nation, must stop these ‘jungle law’ tactics that are being committed against Cambodia. These cruel acts demonstrate a lack of respect for the law, a disregard for the rule of law, and a violation of a neighbouring country’s territory, all of which are contrary to international law,” he added.
On February 6, the Thai military and several nationalist social media influencers transported approximately 50 shipping containers to the Thma Da area. As reported, the presence of the AOT appeared to force a short-term pause in their plans, which are now continuing anew.
-Phnom Penh Post-
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