Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet has accused Thailand of obstructing the return of over 20 families to their homes along the disputed border, highlighting escalating tensions between the two nations. In a letter addressed to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on September 17, 2023, Manet detailed how Thai forces have allegedly “forcibly” evicted Cambodian civilians from their long-standing residences in northwestern Banteay Meanchey province.
The accusations come amid a backdrop of renewed conflict between the two Southeast Asian neighbors, who previously agreed to a truce in late July after five days of violent clashes that resulted in at least 43 deaths on both sides. The ongoing dispute revolves around contested temples along their approximately 800-kilometre (500-mile) border, with both countries trading allegations of ceasefire violations since the truce.
On Wednesday, tensions flared when Thai forces reportedly used rubber bullets and tear gas against several hundred Cambodian protesters in a border village. Cambodian officials claimed that nearly 30 people were injured in the incident, which included a soldier and a Buddhist monk. In his letter, Prime Minister Manet expressed concern over the situation, stating that “25 families have already been blocked from their homes and fields.” He warned that further evictions could impact hundreds more, potentially displacing approximately 1,000 inhabitants.
The Thai military has responded by asserting that the Cambodian residents had “illegally occupied” Thai territory. Winthai Suvaree, a spokesperson for the Thai army, accused Cambodian villagers of showing intentions to harm Thai officials during the protests. Video footage released by the Thai military depicted security forces firing tear gas at Cambodians, some of whom were seen wielding long sticks and attempting to dismantle barbed wire.
In his communication to the UN, Manet claimed that the Thai military’s actions have widened the conflict zone by erecting barriers and threatening additional evictions. He urged Malaysia, the current chair of the ASEAN regional bloc, to intervene and encourage Thailand to cease its aggressive actions against civilians.
The military clashes in July marked the deadliest encounter between the two nations in decades, forcing around 300,000 people to flee their homes. As tensions continue to escalate, the international community is watching closely for further developments in this longstanding territorial dispute.
