THE THAI ambassador rounded on the Cambodian envoy at the 76th Session the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Executive Committee (UNHCR) denying accusations that Thailand had violated the UN Charter and the Geneva conventions by allegedly destroying homes in border areas at Sa Kaeo province, where people have lived for generations, Amarin TV said this afternoon (Oct. 11).
Ms. Pratana Disyatat, Thai ambassador and deputy permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, denied this and an additional accusation made by Mr. Dara In, Cambodia’s permanent representative to this body, of encroaching on their territory with member states urged to take action against Thailand’s territorial ambitions.
Ms. Pratana said the villages referred to by Cambodia are located within Thai territory. This is due to Thailand’s decision to open its borders to allow hundreds of thousands of Cambodians fleeing their own civil war to seek refuge in Thailand. This decision was based on compassion and humanitarian principles, a foundation of Thailand’s long-standing humanitarian tradition.
These villages initially served as temporary shelters in the 1980s for Cambodians fleeing the fighting, screened by the UNHCR, awaiting resettlement in third countries.
After the conflict in Cambodia ended, the temporary shelters were closed, but some Cambodians moved into the area and their settlements expanded. Despite Thailand’s repeated protests against the intrusion into Thai territory, the Cambodian government has never responded or taken responsibility.
In fact, the Cambodian army recently mobilised Cambodian civilians, including children, women and monks, into the area as a provocation against Thailand, with the intent to escalate tensions.
This is a gross violation of Thailand’s sovereignty and domestic law, and a violation of obligations under existing bilateral cooperation frameworks. It demonstrates Cambodia’s failure to comply with its obligations under the International Human Rights Convention and the Geneva conventions. Thailand’s actions, based on humanity and goodwill toward its neighbours, should not be reciprocated in this manner by Cambodia.
Regarding the issue of prisoners of war, Thailand reiterated that the 18 prisoners of war were captured during the fighting initiated by Cambodia. The Thai envoy affirmed that they are being treated in a safe and humane manner in accordance with the law.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) regularly visits these prisoners of war and facilitates contact with their families. Their detention is not a punishment, but a measure to prevent them from re-engaging in the fighting. They will be released and repatriated when the fighting ends.
However, Cambodia continues to incite violence, violate ceasefire agreements, and attempt to internationalise the issue, rather than using agreed bilateral mechanisms.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page: Ms. Pratana Disyatat, Thai ambassador and deputy permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, right, and Mr. Dara In, Cambodia’s permanent representative to this body, left.
Insert: Ms. Pratana Disyatat. Both photos – Amarin TV
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