Thai army highlights past shelter for 160,000 Cambodian refugees amid border dispute

SA KAEO – The Royal Thai Army took ASEAN observers and Thai and foreign journalists to a former Cambodian refugee camp in Sa Kaeo province on Friday (13 November), highlighting Thailand’s past humanitarian assistance to more than 160,000 Cambodian refugees amid continuing tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border.

The visit to Khao I Dang Historical Learning Centre in Khok Sung district came amid controversy surrounding the Cambodian film Ghost Mountain: Second Killing Field, which depicts events along the Thai-Cambodian border and features promotional material referring to Thai soldiers.

Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, the army spokesman, said the visit was organised under the direction of army chief Gen Pana Klaewplodthuk, with Lt Gen Teeranan Nandhakwang, deputy chief of staff of the army, leading the delegation.

The group included members of the ASEAN Observer Team in Thailand (AOT-TH) and journalists from Thailand and abroad.

According to the army, Khao I Dang once sheltered more than 160,000 Cambodians who fled conflict, fighting and food shortages in their homeland. The refugee camp covered more than 400 rai of land.

The army said Thailand had provided temporary shelter and worked with international organisations to supply food, drinking water, medical treatment and other essential assistance while maintaining security along the border.

The delegation received a briefing on the history of the camp and Thailand’s humanitarian role before travelling to the Nanthawong military outpost in Ban Nong Chan, Non Mak Mun subdistrict.

The army said the Nong Chan area had originally been used as a temporary shelter for Cambodian refugees fleeing war. However, some residents subsequently remained in the area and expanded their farmland and buildings into territory Thailand considers to be under its sovereignty.

Historical maps and photographs were presented to the delegation to illustrate changes in settlement patterns and land use over time.

The Thai army maintained that continued occupation of land did not establish legitimate ownership or legal rights over territory it considers to have been encroached upon.

It said people residing in the area without authorisation must be subject to Thai legal procedures.

The army also said Thailand had repeatedly raised objections and attempted to resolve the issue through bilateral mechanisms and relevant laws, but had not received sufficient cooperation from Cambodia.

Winthai said the visit was intended to provide international observers with what the Thai military described as verifiable historical evidence and an opportunity to examine conditions on the ground.

He accused Cambodia of presenting misleading information about the border situation at international forums, including the status of disputed areas and the number of civilians affected.

According to Winthai, linking these issues to humanitarian allegations against Thailand risked creating misunderstandings within the international community.

The army said allowing ASEAN observers and journalists to visit the sites demonstrated Thailand’s willingness to provide evidence and explain its position on the history of the settlements, territorial claims and the impact on local communities.

It reaffirmed that Thailand remained committed to humanitarian principles while protecting its sovereignty and public safety, and would continue seeking peaceful solutions to border disputes under existing laws and bilateral agreements.