Thai - Cambodia Conflict Thai Army Asserts Ban Nong Chan Is Undeniably Thai Soil

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Picture courtesy of Thai PBS World

 

The Thai army has firmly declared that Ban Nong Chan, located in Sa Kaeo province's Kok Soong district, is undeniably Thai soil. This area, long contested by Cambodia, served as a refuge for Cambodians escaping conflict decades ago.

 

Major General Winthai Suvaree from the Thai army stated that, after Cambodia's war, Thailand's humanitarian gesture of allowing Cambodians to remain has been manipulated by Cambodia, allegedly encouraging permanent settlement to stake a claim.

 

According to Winthai, Thailand has protested Cambodian encroachment through diplomatic channels since 2014, reported Thai PBS.

 

Despite these efforts, Cambodia allegedly disregards the issue, possibly avoiding direct military conflict and seeking international sympathy should Thailand forcibly remove the settlers.

 

As a precaution, Thailand erected barbed-wire fencing, not as a border demarcation, but to stop potential incursions by Cambodian forces looking to lay landmines.

 

Cambodia, however, disputes Thailand’s actions. Cambodian civilians demand the removal of the fence, asserting Ban Nong Chan as Cambodian territory.

 

This ongoing tension highlights the complex relationship and challenges in maintaining peace and territorial integrity in the region.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS World 2025-08-19