ASEAN Observers Inspect Disputed Cambodia-Thailand Border Area

An ASEAN observer team has inspected a disputed area along the Cambodia-Thailand border, as Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the dispute peacefully through negotiations, bilateral mechanisms and international law. Cambodia’s defence ministry said the Cambodian Liaison Group accompanied the ASEAN Observer Team in Cambodia to border marker 37, known as the Unity Marker, in Kdeib Thmar village, Kouk Romiet commune, Thma Puok district, Banteay Meanchey province. The mission was led by the head of the ASEAN observer team from the Philippines and arrived at the site at 9:21 in the morning. The ministry said the visit was intended to give the observers direct knowledge of conditions along the border and allow them to verify and report on the situation in the area. Cambodia said it remained committed to addressing border issues through the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission and existing bilateral agreements. It also maintained that the international boundary should follow the demarcation process established during the French Siamese period. The ministry said Cambodia’s position was based on the legal principle of Uti Possidetis Juris, as well as French Siamese conventions and treaties, border protocols, official maps, the 2000 memorandum of understanding, the 2003 terms of reference and other documents recognised by both countries. It said respect for these legal documents and agreements was essential to resolving the dispute peacefully and achieving lasting peace between Cambodia and Thailand. Separately, Thailand’s foreign ministry rejected a report issued on July 31 by United Nations special rapporteur Tom Andrews on people displaced by the conflict, describing it as one-sided. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow told Thai PBS that such reports should first be discussed and questioned by United Nations member states. He also disputed the reported figure of 650,000 displaced Cambodians, saying it did not account for some people who had lived in Thailand for at least 50 years before returning to Cambodia when fighting broke out last year. Sihasak Phuangketkeow also said the report did not address deaths or property damage suffered by Thai civilians during shelling that Thailand attributed to Cambodian forces.