Thailand Condemns Cambodia for Using Civilians as Human Shields at Ban Nong Chan
Foreign Ministry accuses Cambodian forces of violating international law and the 2000 border MOU by using civilians to encroach on Thai territory at Ban Nong Chan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned Cambodia for deploying civilians—including women, children, and the elderly—as human shields in the Ban Nong Chan area of Sa Kaeo Province, calling the action a clear violation of international law and the 2000 memorandum of understanding on the Thailand–Cambodia border.
A statement from the Ministry reaffirmed that the territory in question lies within Thailand and had originally been designated as a temporary refuge for Cambodians fleeing conflict decades ago.
The Ministry emphasised that Thailand has consistently exercised restraint and pursued neighbourly conduct, opting to resolve disagreements through diplomatic channels such as the Joint Boundary Commission.
In contrast, it accused Cambodian authorities of systematically encouraging civilian settlement in the disputed area, characterising these actions as illegal and provocative.
Further reports from the armed forces cited evidence of Cambodian troops placing artillery and missile systems near residential zones, employing civilians as human shields—actions described as violations of humanitarian principles.
Thailand also confirmed the discovery of Cambodian-laid PMN-2 landmines in the border area, stating it would present this as evidence to the relevant international mine-ban body.
The Thai army stated that the installation of barbed wire by Thai forces was intended solely to enhance troop security and prevent dangerous incursions and landmine placement, not to alter the border.
The Ministry reaffirmed its preference for diplomacy and bilateral negotiation, urging Cambodia to adhere to the 2000 agreement and withdraw from actions viewed as escalatory.
A statement from the Ministry reaffirmed that the territory in question lies within Thailand and had originally been designated as a temporary refuge for Cambodians fleeing conflict decades ago.
The Ministry emphasised that Thailand has consistently exercised restraint and pursued neighbourly conduct, opting to resolve disagreements through diplomatic channels such as the Joint Boundary Commission.
In contrast, it accused Cambodian authorities of systematically encouraging civilian settlement in the disputed area, characterising these actions as illegal and provocative.
Further reports from the armed forces cited evidence of Cambodian troops placing artillery and missile systems near residential zones, employing civilians as human shields—actions described as violations of humanitarian principles.
Thailand also confirmed the discovery of Cambodian-laid PMN-2 landmines in the border area, stating it would present this as evidence to the relevant international mine-ban body.
The Thai army stated that the installation of barbed wire by Thai forces was intended solely to enhance troop security and prevent dangerous incursions and landmine placement, not to alter the border.
The Ministry reaffirmed its preference for diplomacy and bilateral negotiation, urging Cambodia to adhere to the 2000 agreement and withdraw from actions viewed as escalatory.
