Sihasak counters Cambodia at UN stage, citing distorted information and long-term encroachment
GENEVA, Feb 25 (TNA) - Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow on Tuesday launched a rebuttal against Cambodia at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), accusing Phnom Penh of distorting facts and escalating border tensions through "provocations."
Speaking during the High-Level Segment of the 61st HRC session, Sihasak addressed claims made earlier by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, who accused Thai forces of encroaching on Cambodian sovereign territory.
This is once again a necessary response to the Cambodian Foreign Minister’s statement, which chose to slander Thailand with untruthful allegations and distorted narratives, Sihasak said.
The Thai minister asserted that bilateral tensions were the direct result of Cambodian incursions into Thai territory over several years and persistent attempts to interfere in Thailand’s internal politics.
Sihasak highlighted Thailand’s historical role in providing humanitarian aid and shelter to Cambodian refugees during its decades of civil war. He questioned why Cambodia chose to bring bilateral disputes to an international forum rather than focusing on restoring relations.
Cambodia accuses Thailand of occupying its land, but the reality is that both sides agreed to a ceasefire and a status quo on troop positions," Sihasak stated. Thai soldiers are still stepping on landmines and facing cross-border fire to this day.
He concluded his statement by asking whether Cambodia preferred the path to peace or the path to tension and conflict that leads to loss.
Earlier in the session, Cambodia’s Prak Sokhonn painted a grim picture of the border situation, describing it as "extremely fragile." He alleged that Thai troops had occupied several Cambodian villages, evicted residents, and destroyed homes to establish military bases.
Prak Sokhonn claimed that the installation of barbed-wire fences by Thai forces had prevented Cambodians from returning to their homes, an act that caused great concern under international law and human rights law, particularly regarding the right to life. He termed this a violation of bilateral agreements and stated that the conflict had displaced approximately 650,000 Cambodians.
"These actions severely impact the rights to life, safety, and freedom of movement," the Cambodian minister said, while calling on Bangkok to strictly adhere to existing ceasefire agreements and withdraw its military forces from contested areas.
