Cambodia: Ceasefire with Thailand Cannot Redraw Border

Cambodia's Information Minister has stated that the ceasefire with Thailand cannot be used to establish a new international border or grant legal ownership of disputed territory. Neth Pheaktra said both sides agreed in December to maintain their military positions and allow displaced civilians to return safely. The ceasefire took effect at noon on December 27 last year, following a joint agreement between Cambodia and Thailand. Cambodia says the agreement does not prejudice the eventual determination of the international border. Neth Pheaktra alleged that Thai forces have since strengthened positions in areas claimed by Cambodia, including by installing barbed wire and containers and building trenches, roads and military facilities. He says such actions could create new facts on the ground and cannot simply be justified as maintaining existing military positions. More than 20,000 people were displaced by the fighting, according to Neth Pheaktra. He says their ability to return home safely should be a key measure of whether the ceasefire is being respected. Cambodia has described concerns over changes on the ground as a possible fait accompli, creating a situation and later seeking recognition of it as a fact. On Monday, the Thai military took more than 100 foreign delegates, ASEAN observers and international journalists to the O’Smach casino area and Choam border crossing in Oddar Meanchey province. Thailand presented claims that casino buildings had been used as military bases and major centres for cross-border scam operations. Cambodia disputes Thailand’s control of the area and says it is Cambodian territory. Source: Cambodia Daily