Cambodia has appealed to international military envoys, seeking details on where Thailand has placed shipping containers along the Thai-Cambodian border at several key locations. These containers are used as a "sovereignty fence" to control disputed areas following a surge in military tensions. The details are as follows:
1. Areas where containers have been placed
Ban Nong Jan and Ban Nong Ya Kaeo, Sa Kaeo Province: This is a primary site where over 60 containers have been placed to enclose the area and mark sovereignty boundaries after Cambodia ordered a halt to mine clearance operations and a dispute arose over territorial encroachment.
Ban Tha Sen, Trat Province: Approximately 50 containers have been placed along the border junction between Ban Tha Sen and Thmo Da to close off routes previously penetrated by Cambodia and to clearly mark Thailand’s sovereignty.
Chong Chom, Surin Province: Containers are used here to organize border areas and monitor movements within overlapping zones.
2. Resulting impacts
Security: Frequent local-level confrontations have occurred, with reports that Cambodian forces attempted to disrupt container placements or dig trenches next to the containers in response.
Humanitarian: Area closures have affected residents in disputed zones, especially in Ban Nong Jan, where some Cambodian villagers reportedly cannot freely access their homes.
Border trade: Tensions have led to temporary closures at some border checkpoints and stricter inspections of goods, causing a downturn in cross-border trade.
Diplomatic: These issues have escalated into sharp governmental exchanges and utilization of international forums (such as the UNHRC) to accuse each other of sovereignty violations.
3. Cambodia’s complaints and stance
Cambodia has pursued complaints and taken various actions as follows:
Diplomatic protest: The Phnom Penh government sent a Protest Note accusing Thailand of violating sovereignty and ceasefire agreements, alleging containers were placed inside Cambodian territory.
Military envoy visits: Cambodia invited diplomatic and military attachés from several countries (including the US, China, and ASEAN) to visit Cambodian border areas to present evidence claiming Thai aggression and unauthorized alteration of border conditions.
Political rhetoric: Cambodian government spokespersons, such as Mr. Pen Bona, have held daily press briefings criticizing Thailand for using force and temporary structures to unlawfully seize territory.
4. Thailand’s response
The Thai Army and Ministry of Foreign Affairs have affirmed that container placements are within Thai sovereign territory and represent a response after Cambodia violated agreements and attempted to place new landmines. They also facilitated visits by military envoys from 17 to 23 countries to Thai border areas to clarify facts and demonstrate transparency.
Current status: The situation remains highly tense with close monitoring along the border. Both sides continue diplomatic efforts and use aerial photographs as evidence to support their international claims.