Thailand: Cambodians failed to return home from temporary shelters opened by Thailand in the 1970s

Thailand told the United Nations that Cambodians currently residing in areas originally opened as temporary shelters in the 1970s have failed to return home, describing their continued presence as an encroachment on Thai territory.

Ambassador Cherdchai Chaivaivid made the statement on September 28 during the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly General Debate, as he exercised Thailand’s Right of Reply, according to the Permanent Mission of Thailand to the United Nations.

The mission said the clarification concerned references to internally displaced persons (IDPs), stating that the people referred to as IDPs are Cambodians residing in areas originally opened as temporary shelters in the 1970s.

Thailand reaffirms ceasefire commitment

Thailand said dialogue and diplomacy remain its first choice and reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire in accordance with the Joint Statement of December 27, 2025.

On maritime boundaries, Thailand said it preferred direct bilateral dialogue, while Cambodia pursued compulsory conciliation. Thailand said it continues to engage constructively in the process as a confidence-building measure.

Thailand calls for goodwill and cooperation

Thailand said moving forward requires Cambodia to demonstrate goodwill in international forums, refrain from border provocations and advance concrete cooperation.

The areas identified for cooperation include humanitarian demining and combating cross-border crime, including online scams.

“Thailand and Cambodia are neighbours. We cannot change that geography, but we can choose what kind of neighbours we want to be,” the Permanent Mission said.

Thailand said it remains ready to turn the page so that the shared border becomes a place of prosperity built on mutual trust and peaceful coexistence.