The ongoing territorial dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has left thousands of civilians displaced, as both nations grapple with the implications of a ceasefire that came into effect on December 27. Cambodia has emphasized that the ceasefire, agreed upon in December, is not to be used as a basis for establishing new international borders or determining the legal ownership of contested territories.
Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra highlighted that the ceasefire agreement was designed to maintain existing military positions and ensure the safe return of over 20,000 displaced civilians. The agreement, according to Cambodia, does not influence the final determination of the international border between the two countries.
Amidst the ceasefire, tensions remain as Cambodia accuses Thai forces of altering the status quo by fortifying positions in areas claimed by Cambodia. These actions reportedly include setting up barbed wire, installing containers, and constructing roads and military facilities, which Cambodia argues could create new facts on the ground rather than preserving current positions.
In a parallel move, Thailand has engaged foreign delegates, ASEAN observers, and international journalists by providing tours to border areas such as the O’Smach casino area and the Choam crossing. During these tours, Thailand presented its claims regarding the use of casino buildings and cross-border criminal activities, a point of contention as Cambodia disputes Thailand’s control over these regions, maintaining that they are Cambodian territory.
The situation remains delicate as both countries continue to navigate the complexities of the ceasefire agreement and its implications for the disputed border areas. The safe return of displaced civilians is being used as a key measure of the ceasefire’s adherence, with further developments likely to influence the regional stability between Cambodia and Thailand.