Major General Winthai refuted Cambodia’s Defense Ministry spokesperson Mali Sojiata’s claims, pointing out that the allegations are entirely misaligned with reality. He affirmed that all operations are conducted within Thai sovereignty for security and self-defense, strictly adhering to the joint GBC statement.
On 4 November 2026, regarding the case Major General Mali Sojiata, spokesperson for Cambodia's Ministry of Defense, held a press conference stating that Cambodia facilitated ASEAN observer team (AOT-KH) access to observe the area around Ban Chok Chey, Obey Chuen Subdistrict, Ou Chrov District, Banteay Meanchey Province on 3 November 2026. She accused Thailand of deploying two tanks, setting up container boxes, installing barbed wire fences, digging trenches, destroying civilian infrastructure, occupying Cambodian territory, and cited Cambodian civilian displacement, calling for an urgent JBC meeting.
Army spokesperson Major General Winthai Suwaree provided clarifications to ensure accurate understanding among the public and international community as follows:
1. Regarding allegations of deploying two tanks near the observation line, the Army confirms these claims are completely inaccurate. Thailand has not increased troop numbers or moved military equipment into the area to enhance military capability or threaten any party. The tanks mentioned are existing equipment already deployed under the unit’s operational plan to maintain readiness for routine missions within Thai territory. There has been no additional troop movement or reinforcement. Thailand’s force posture follows the established framework and strictly complies with clause 2 of the Joint Statement from the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting on 27 December 2025.
2. Regarding accusations of occupying Ban Chok Chey territory, demolishing structures, and installing barriers, the Army asserts this area is clearly within Thai sovereignty. The Thai military’s actions involve establishing order, regulating the area, and enforcing law within its own land. Historically, Cambodian civilians and soldiers illegally settled and encroached on Thai territory here for over 40 years. Thailand has had to dismantle unauthorized constructions on its soil to prevent their use for military purposes or as bases for transnational criminal activities such as cyber scams that threaten security.
The placement of container boxes, barbed wire, trenches, and bunkers are temporary tactical security measures following clashes, intended to control the area, prevent incursions, and reduce risks of confrontations. These actions comply with the ceasefire agreement framework requiring each side to maintain forces in their existing positions.
3. Regarding claims that 3,951 Cambodian civilians (1,045 families) are unable to return home, the Army spokesperson clarified that Cambodia must distinguish between “conflict-displaced persons” and “settlers encroaching on Thai territory.” Legally, the Cambodian people in this area are considered “intruders violating Thai sovereignty.” They are not conflict refugees, as they have settled in Thai territory since Cambodia’s internal war period. Thailand has protested through the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU 2000) hundreds of times, but Cambodia has ignored these protests. Mixing the figures of intruders with humanitarian impact claims on international platforms misrepresents the facts and misleads the global community.
4. Regarding the call to expedite the Joint Border Committee (JBC) work, Thailand reaffirms its stance to resolve border issues peacefully through bilateral mechanisms including JBC and GBC frameworks. However, all parties must adhere to the ceasefire agreement framework stated in the GBC joint statement (27 December 2025), which requires each side to maintain forces in their current positions until border tensions ease and the area is fully cleared of lethal landmines (such as PMN-2) that Cambodia has previously illegally placed, ensuring true safety.
5. The Army reiterates Thailand’s strict adherence to international law, relevant treaties, and bilateral agreements. Thailand does not use military force to alter international borders but to protect its security and sovereignty. The Army calls on Cambodia to prioritize humanitarian care for its people, cease producing and submitting distorted reports to ASEAN observers (AOT) and international forums, and sincerely cooperate in addressing issues through existing bilateral dialogue mechanisms to sustain peace and stability along the border.