Thai Army disputes Cambodian claims at United Nations

The Royal Thai Army has rejected allegations made by Cambodia at a United Nations meeting in Geneva regarding displaced persons and territorial disputes. Cambodian Ambassador Ke Sovann previously claimed that fighting in December 2025 left 650,000 Cambodians displaced and 20,000 unable to return home, accusing Thailand of occupying territory and destroying infrastructure.

Major General Winthai Suvaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, clarified that the figures presented are inaccurate. He stated that the 650,000 figure refers to Cambodians who previously sought temporary shelter to avoid combat, rather than those currently unable to return home. Regarding the claim of 20,000 displaced persons, Thai investigations in Sa Kaeo province—specifically at Ban Nong Chan, Ban Nong Ya Kaeo, and Ban Khlong Phaeng—identified approximately 4,600 people from 900 households.

The Army spokesperson emphasized that these areas are within Thai sovereign territory and noted that issues regarding Cambodian community expansion in these zones have persisted for over 40 years. Thailand maintains it has attempted to resolve these matters through the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU 43) and international law, but claims a lack of sufficient cooperation from Cambodia.