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Crisis Erupts: Thai-Cambodian Border Flashpoint Ignites Fears of Assassination Plots and Mass Exodus

Published 20 hours ago2 minute read
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Crisis Erupts: Thai-Cambodian Border Flashpoint Ignites Fears of Assassination Plots and Mass Exodus

Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly rejected recent social media claims, initially cited by Cambodia's Minister of Information from foreign intelligence sources, alleging that Thailand planned to assassinate Cambodian leaders Hun Sen and Hun Manet. Nikorndej Balankura, spokesperson for the Ministry, called the accusations unfounded and defamatory, emphasizing that spreading false news during General Border Committee (GBC) discussions undermines diplomatic efforts to peacefully resolve bilateral issues.

Amidst these diplomatic tensions, the Thai-Cambodian border remains a focal point of concern. The Royal Thai Army (RTA) is set to lead the ASEAN Interim Observation Team (IOT) on a mission to monitor alleged breaches of international law and ceasefire conditions by Cambodian troops. This follows earlier visits by ASEAN envoys and representatives from countries ratifying the Ottawa Convention, who witnessed evidence of anti-personnel mines allegedly laid by Cambodian forces in Si Sa Ket province and interviewed affected residents. The Thai government expects these findings to be reported to respective governments and raised within the international community. Additionally, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces to assess the humanitarian impact of cross-border attacks on civilians, compiling a confidential report for both nations, which Thailand sees as a demonstration of its commitment to humanitarian protection.

The prevalence of disinformation surrounding the conflict is significant, with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) reporting that eight out of the top ten fake news items last week were related to the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, including the top three stories. This highlights the challenge of managing public perception during sensitive diplomatic periods.

On the legal front, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai indicated that academics might submit a proposal to sue Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, Hun Sen, in the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes, or in Thai courts for causing deaths, injuries, and property damage to Thais. This follows a resolution by the National Security Council (NSC) to pursue such legal actions.

Further exacerbating border tensions, Thailand's government spokesman, Jirayu Houngsub, accused Cambodians of betraying Thai hospitality and humanitarian aid by establishing a community at Ban Nong Chan village in Sa Kaeo. Jirayu stated that what began as a temporary shelter for Cambodian civil war refugees in 1977 evolved into an encroachment on Thai soil, with refugees expanding their community and refusing to return home. He alleged that the Cambodian government has exploited this situation, using its citizens as a

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