The Royal Thai Army has rejected allegations by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet that Thailand is occupying Cambodian territory and preventing around 80,000 displaced people from returning home. On 18 February, Major General Winthai Suvaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, said Cambodia was aware that the disputed area lies within Thai territory. He stressed that Thailand is strictly adhering to the ceasefire terms agreed by both sides.
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The response followed an interview published on 17 February by Cambodian outlet Fresh News, in which Hun Manet spoke to Reutersabout the Thai military and the ceasefire agreement contained in the Joint Statement of the third extraordinary session of the General Border Committee (GBC). The agreement was signed on 27 December 2025 at the Ban Phak Kad permanent border checkpoint. Hun Manet alleged that Thai forces had installed shipping containers and barbed wire, preventing approximately 80,000 displaced Cambodians from returning.
According to Maj Gen Winthai, Thailand had previously allowed Cambodian refugees fleeing conflict to shelter in the area. After hostilities ended, however, some Cambodian civilians and soldiers did not return home and instead expanded settlements into what Thailand considers its sovereign territory. He said the Thai side had repeatedly raised objections through established mechanisms, but Cambodia had failed to resolve the issue or relocate its citizens.
The spokesperson stated that those remaining in the area should not be described as displaced persons, as claimed by Hun Manet, but as individuals unlawfully encroaching on Thai sovereignty. He added that Thai military operations in the area were conducted to repel attacks and protect Thai soldiers and civilians, describing them as acts of self-defence under international principles. Following the ceasefire, maintaining existing troop deployments was, he said, consistent with the Joint Statement, which both sides understood and accepted.
Regarding the installation of containers and barbed wire, Maj Gen Winthai said these were temporary security measures designed to reduce the risk of confrontation between troops and civilians. He reiterated that Thailand had no intention of violating another country’s sovereignty or territorial integrity.
Hun Manet has also called for the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to resume work on resolving border disputes. The Thai Army said Thailand remains willing to engage in bilateral mechanisms at all levels once both sides are ready, including easing military tensions, addressing landmine safety along the border, and following the formation of Thailand’s new government.
The Standard reported that the army affirmed its readiness to pursue peaceful dialogue while preparing for all contingencies to safeguard sovereignty and public safety. It urged Cambodia to review and strictly comply with the Joint Statement to promote lasting stability along the border.
Cover picture courtesy of The Standard
Key Takeaways
• Thailand rejects Hun Manet’s claim that it is occupying Cambodian territory and blocking 80,000 displaced people.
• The Thai Army says those remaining in the area are unlawfully encroaching on Thai sovereignty, not displaced persons.
• Bangkok states it is adhering strictly to the 27 December 2025 ceasefire agreement signed at Ban Phak Kad.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now TheStandard 20 Feb 2026