Picture courtesy of TNR

 

Thailand’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva has strongly rejected accusations made by Cambodia during the 76th Session of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Executive Committee. The Cambodian delegation alleged that Thailand had violated the UN Charter and Geneva Conventions by destroying homes in Sa Kaeo province near the border, where people have lived for generations.

 

Ms. Pratana Disyatat, Thailand’s ambassador and deputy permanent representative to the UN, firmly denied the claims made by Mr. Dara In, Cambodia’s permanent representative. Mr. Dara had accused Thailand of encroaching on Cambodian territory and urged member states to act against what he described as Thai “territorial ambitions.”

 

In her response, Ms. Pratana clarified that the disputed villages lie entirely within Thai territory. She explained that the settlements originated in the 1980s, when Thailand opened its borders to shelter hundreds of thousands of Cambodians fleeing civil war. These camps were established under UNHCR supervision as temporary safe zones and residents were screened for possible resettlement to third countries.

 

Following the end of the Cambodian conflict, the temporary shelters were officially closed. However, some former refugees and their families remained, expanding settlements beyond authorised areas. Thailand has repeatedly protested what it describes as encroachment by Cambodian civilians, but has received no official response from Phnom Penh.

 

Ms. Pratana further alleged that the Cambodian army has recently mobilised civilians, including women, children and monks, into these disputed areas to provoke confrontation. She stated that such actions constitute a violation of Thailand’s sovereignty, domestic law and existing bilateral cooperation frameworks. The ambassador also accused Cambodia of disregarding international obligations under human rights and Geneva conventions.

 

Regarding “prisoners of war”, Ms. Pratana confirmed that 18 Cambodian combatants captured during recent clashes were being detained lawfully and humanely. She said the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) conducts regular visits and facilitates family contact. The detainees would be released and repatriated once hostilities cease, she added.

 

Thailand reiterated its commitment to resolving disputes peacefully through bilateral mechanisms rather than international escalation. Ms. Pratana criticised Cambodia for allegedly inciting violence and breaching ceasefire agreements instead of engaging through established diplomatic channels.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thailand’s envoy in Geneva rejected Cambodia’s allegations of border violations at a UNHCR meeting.

• Ms. Pratana Disyatat said the settlements in question are within Thai territory, originally refugee camps from the 1980s.

• Thailand accused Cambodia of provocation and confirmed humane treatment of 18 Cambodian “prisoners of war.”

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Thainewsroom 2025-10-13

 

 

 

 

Of course Thailand is the best model student in the class, they never do anything wrong. It are always others to blame. The whole country knows.. failing brakes, rainy weather, slippery roads, unintential shootings, no scapegoats as in Koh Tao, and many many more... How reliable can you be