Photo of Battambang border courtesy of VOD

 

The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has firmly denied allegations from Cambodian officials and human rights groups, calling the claims false and damaging to Thailand’s reputation. This follows reports between November 17 and 18 accusing Thai rangers of detaining, beating, robbing, and sexually assaulting Cambodian migrant workers in Battambang province near the Thai border. Major General Winthai Suvaree, RTA spokesperson, stated that investigations were conducted, and no evidence was found to support the accusations.

 

In response to the claims, patrol and ranger units along the Thai-Cambodia border were immediately tasked with verifying the events. Specific units, including the Burapha Task Force in Sa Kaeo, and Royal Thai Navy units in Chanthaburi and Trat, found no matching incidents or records of arrests involving 13 migrant workers on November 15. The RTA alleges that these allegations are part of an “information operation” designed to damage Thailand’s international standing.

 

The timing and coordination of statements from Cambodian entities, such as the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Culture, labour unions, and the Cambodian Human Rights Committee, were deemed suspicious by Thai officials. They noted that these statements seemed orchestrated, with no bilateral verification of information. Thailand criticized the alleged return of victims to Cambodia before any official investigation by Thai authorities, which they argue impedes normal cross-border cooperation.

 

The RTA emphasized the adherence of its soldiers to strict discipline and human rights standards. It further suggested that the accusations might be diverting attention from Cambodia’s internal issues, such as landmine controversies and cyber scams. Major General Winthai responded to Cambodia's claims of distortion by stating that “truth must be proven with forensic evidence, not through a chorus of unverified accusations.”

 

Thailand is urging Cambodia for constructive dialogue rather than adversarial approaches, emphasizing the importance of resolving disputes through genuine bilateral cooperation, reported The Thaiger.

 

Key Takeaways

• The RTA denies allegations of abuse against Cambodian workers, citing lack of evidence.
• Thai officials suspect the accusations are part of a coordinated media attack.
• Thailand calls for genuine bilateral cooperation to resolve the dispute.

 

Related Links:

Thai defence minister appoints ex- RTA expert as secretary

Thai man accuses RTA general of drug abuse, sexual sadism, and physical abuse

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-11-19

 

 

 

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand criticized the alleged return of victims to Cambodia before any official investigation by Thai authorities, 

 

Do you honestly think the young 18yr old Cambodian female rape victim is going to stick around in Thailand for investigations by Thai authorities?

 

Get your brain into gear Thailand and arrest, prosecute and court martial the Thai Paramilitary soldiers who committed this appalling act!