Cambodia has formally accused Thailand at the United Nations of escalating border tensions through military encroachment, deadly force, and severe human rights violations, including the alleged rape of cross-border workers.
Ambassador Dara In, Cambodia’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, met with Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), on November 18 to report the worsening situation.
The Cambodian envoy claimed that Thai soldiers shot and killed one Cambodian and injured three others in a disputed area on November 12.
Furthermore, Ambassador In reported an incident on November 15 where seven Thai soldiers allegedly raped Cambodian cross-border workers, describing it as a grave violation of human rights and humanitarian law.
Cambodia also alleges ongoing encroachment by Thai military personnel, the use of force to intimidate civilians, and the blockade of some villages along the frontier.
The ambassador added that Thailand’s failure to repatriate 18 Cambodian soldiers, as previously promised, has further heightened tensions.
Cambodia denied accusations made on November 10 regarding new landmine explosions, stating that any discovered mines are remnants from past conflicts, not newly planted devices.
Ambassador In asserted that Cambodia has internationally recognized achievements in demining and has no reason or interest in laying new mines.
The diplomat suggested that the accusations of new landmines are being used as a pretext to suspend peace agreements and exacerbate regional instability.
Cambodia has urged the United Nations to closely monitor the border situation and support efforts towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The information was reported by the Khmer Times, a Cambodian state-affiliated news outlet.