Thai army rejects Cambodia’s claim: disputed areas fall within Thai territory, JBC not required
The Royal Thai Army clarifies that areas at Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaew are within Thai territory, rejecting Cambodia’s claims and stating there is no need for JBC intervention.
Following statements by Pen Bona, Cambodian government spokesperson, denying reports that Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaew, where Thailand has installed barbed wire and used earth-moving vehicles for landmine clearance, are within Thai territory, the Royal Thai Army has issued a clarification.
Pen Bona cited the 1904 Convention and 1907 Treaty, including the 1:200,000 scale maps and 74 recognised boundary markers, asserting that these remain legally binding under the UN Charter and international law, and cannot be unilaterally changed.
In response, Major General Winthai Suvaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, explained that Pen Bona has misrepresented the facts, which the Thai side has already clarified multiple times. He stated that the areas currently disputed due to Cambodian encroachment are well within Thai territory, despite Cambodia referencing the 1:200,000 scale map.
Specifically, in the border plain areas, the Siam-French treaties established agreed boundary markers. Some markers may have differing interpretations, creating areas of overlapping claims, which require Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) involvement.
However, the areas requiring urgent Thai action lie clearly inside Thai territory and are outside the overlapping claim zones, meaning JBC mechanisms are not needed for these sections.
The Thai army affirmed that Thailand’s actions to tackle encroachments on Thai territory are legal, and do not violate the UN Charter or international law, contrary to Cambodia’s assertions.
