Thai forces violently suppressed Cambodian civilians who were resisting attempts to encroach on Cambodian territory in Banteay Meanchey province today, September 17. This incident occurred in Prey Chan village, in O Chrov district’s O Beichoan commune.
The use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and sound disturbance devices against Cambodian civilians caused many individuals, and even monks, to suffer serious and minor injuries, with some being shot and some fainting. One Cambodian soldier sustained a severe eye injury.
Earlier the same day Um Reatrey, governor of Banteay Meanchey, met with the Governor of Sa Kaeo Province at the Poipet International Border Crossing to coordinate a solution for the people of both provinces.
Reatrey put forward four proposals to the Thai side.
- A request to maintain the existing status quo, avoid any expansion of the issue or disagreements, and await the decision of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Border Committee (JBC).
- A request for the Thai side to allow people to return to their homes. Thai forces must remove the razoe wire, tarpaulins and tyre barricades they have erected and await the JBC’s decision in strict adherence to the 2000 MoU and ToR.
- A request for the Thai side to refrain from other activities during the period when the JBC has yet to make a decision. This includes the placing of razor wire, the issuance of ownership certificates, damage to the homes and properties of Cambodian citizens, and the sending of Thai civilians to occupy disputed areas.
- A suggestion that cases outside the responsibilities of provincial administrations be referred to the GBC and JBC for resolution.
While the results of these negotiations have not yet been announced, Thai forces continue to attempt to lay razor wire in Prey Chan village.
Cambodian villagers attempted to prevent this violation of the Kingdom’s territorial integrity, standing firm in the face of brutal tactics and disregarding international law.
Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra shared images of the violent clashes, and their bloody aftermath.
“Thai soldiers continued to violate Cambodian sovereignty by laying barbed wire in Prey Chan village, even using tear gas against Cambodian citizens, and even monks,” he said.
