Interior minister Sar Sokha (inset) has ordered provincial governors along the Thai border to pay close attention to the safety of their citizens. Supplied
On June 10, Minister of Interior Sar Sokha issued a statement urging heightened vigilance and comprehensive preparations to address the escalating tensions along the Cambodian-Thai border.
In the statement, the minister emphasised the need for a strong, unified response to safeguard Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while protecting public order and ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens in the border provinces.
His statement follows a May 28 exchange of fire in which a Cambodian soldier was tragically killed. Thai military forces opened fire on a Cambodian army position in Choam Ksan district’s Morakot commune, in Preah Vihear province.
“This incident has brought to light the increasing unpredictability of the situation along the border, with the potential for further escalation into an armed confrontation,” warned the statement.
The interior ministry has made it clear that the situation requires immediate and coordinated action across various levels of government, particularly among provinces bordering Thailand.
As part of these efforts, the minister called on provincial governors to ensure the following measures are implemented.
Enhanced Border Monitoring: All forces stationed along the border must continue to monitor, and document any unilateral actions by Thailand that may alter the border environment or violate the 2000 memorandum of understanding (MoU) on border demarcation.
Maintain Peaceful Relations: Forces and authorities are instructed to maintain close communication with their Thai counterparts, aiming to resolve any issues peacefully and with restraint. The ministry also urged authorities to defer to national-level decisions for issues beyond local jurisdiction.
Strict Border Control: Authorities are directed to collaborate with Thai officials to manage border crossings through official checkpoints. The use of unofficial corridors is strictly prohibited, and legal measures will be enforced against violators to maintain order.
Protection of Cambodian Nationals in Thailand: The ministry emphasised the importance of safeguarding the interests of Cambodian citizens living and working in Thailand, particularly in the event of border-related clashes. The government is preparing plans to evacuate citizens back to Cambodia if necessary and is advising citizens to refrain from crossing the border unless absolutely necessary.
Emergency Preparedness: The ministry is taking steps to ensure a well-coordinated emergency response in case of further escalation. This includes preparedness for mass evacuations, provision of relief supplies and the establishment of temporary shelters in the event of armed conflict or border closures.
24/7 Monitoring and Reporting: Provincial, municipal and district officials are being assigned to monitor the situation round-the-clock, ensuring timely and accurate reporting on developments along the border.
Public Awareness and Information Control: The ministry stressed the importance of disseminating accurate information and combating false narratives that could inflame tensions or undermine the government’s efforts. Propaganda that incites hostility between the two nations will be met with strict legal measures.
Restriction on Local Agreements: Local authorities in border regions have been instructed to refrain from entering into any agreements or documents with Thai officials without explicit permission from the interior ministry.
The minister’s statement also highlighted recent unilateral actions taken by Thailand, including the closing or altering of border crossing times at certain checkpoints without prior notification to Cambodia, as required by the bilateral agreement on border crossings.
These actions, he noted, have the potential to exacerbate security risks, disrupt travel and trade, and undermine the collaborative spirit needed for peaceful coexistence along the border.
The situation remains fragile, and both governments are urged to find peaceful, diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation and protect the lives and property of their citizens.
