Banteay Meanchey provincial governor Oum Reatrey briefed a Philippine military delegation on the latest situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border in the area around the Boeung Trakuon international border checkpoint, one of several locations where the Thai military has allegedly violated the terms of last December’s ceasefire agreement.
Philippine Army chief Gen Antonio G Nafarrete and his subordinates visited the area this morning, October 21, to inspect the situation on the ground. The checkpoint is located in Kouk Romiet commune, Thma Puok district, Banteay Meanchey province.
During the visit, Reatrey outlined the overall situation in the area, including alleged illegal activities by Thai military personnel on occupied Cambodian territory, according to the Ministry of National Defence.
“The briefing highlighted several challenges and concerns regarding ongoing activities that are inconsistent with the spirit of the existing agreements between Cambodia and Thailand and international law,” it said.
“These activities must cease immediately to avoid unnecessary escalation of tensions and serious damage to trust and confidence between the two countries,” it added.
The ministry described the Philippine Army chief’s on-site inspection as a clear demonstration of the Philippines’ support, in its capacity as ASEAN’s rotating chair and a member state, for Cambodia’s efforts to maintain the ceasefire and support the work of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT).
It declared that these efforts aim to achieve a peaceful, fair and lasting solution in accordance with international law and the existing treaties and agreements between the two countries.
The ministry reaffirmed Cambodia’s firm commitment to honouring and fully and consistently implementing the GBC Joint Declaration, the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord and other relevant agreements in good faith.
These commitments are intended to facilitate an early improvement in the situation and a return to normalcy, it added.