Cambodia rejects Thai request to evict civilians from disputed border areas

Cambodia rejects Thai request to evict civilians from disputed border areas

The 5th Military Region of the Royal Cambodian Army has formally rejected a request from Thailand’s 1st Army Area to prepare an “eviction plan” for Cambodian civilians living in areas along the disputed border, asserting that such a move would violate existing bilateral agreements and exceed the authority of regional border mechanisms.

In a letter dated October 4, 2025, Lieutenant General Ek Sam Oun, Deputy Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army and Commander of Military Region 5, responded to an earlier communication from Lieutenant General Worayos Luangsuwan, Commander of the 1st Army Area of the Royal Thai Army, issued on October 3.

The Thai letter reportedly conditioned its participation in the upcoming Second Extraordinary Meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand Regional Border Committee (RBC)—scheduled for October 10–12 in Poipet City, Banteay Meanchey Province—on Cambodia’s submission of a plan to evict its civilians from three areas near the border opposite Nong Chan, Nong Ya Kaeo, and Ta Phak Ya villages in Thailand’s Sa Kaeo Province.

However, Lt Gen Ek Sam Oun firmly rejected the demand, clarifying that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), not the RBC.

“The RBC at the regional level is only authorised to address local incidents, de-escalate tensions, and resolve issues on the ground through peaceful means. However, the RBC does not have the mandate or authority to determine or alter the boundary line,” the letter stated.

He further reminded his Thai counterpart that both sides had agreed during the Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) on September 10, 2025, in Koh Kong Province, that any boundary-related actions must comply with the JBC’s process and previously established agreements.

Lt Gen Ek Sam Oun also pointed out that “in some areas, there are occupations and usages by Thai nationals on land within Cambodian sovereignty,” highlighting the complexity of the situation. He called for both nations to exercise restraint and respect all agreements, particularly those designed to prevent unilateral actions that could escalate tensions.

“Cambodia remains committed to upholding the understandings reached between the two countries, including refraining from unilateral actions and awaiting the outcome of the JBC meeting,” the letter continued. “We call for the convening of the JBC meeting at the earliest possible opportunity to find a peaceful and mutually acceptable solution.”

The Cambodian commander concluded by urging “full respect for the agreements reached at past GBC and RBC meetings” and emphasising the need to maintain peace and stability along the border to protect the safety and livelihoods of people on both sides.

The exchange of letters follows weeks of heightened diplomatic and military sensitivity along the Thai–Cambodian frontier, where both nations have accused each other of encroachment.

While both governments have expressed commitment to dialogue, recent developments suggest ongoing friction over border demarcation and civilian settlement rights in contested zones.

-Khmer Times-

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