[International] Thailand Rejects UN Expert's Report on Thai-Cambodian Border Conflict, Citing Lack of Neutrality, Plans Protest

The Thai government today (3rd) refuted a report by UN human rights experts on the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, stating that the content did not adopt Thailand's perspective, was not neutral enough, and lacked balance. It announced that it would file a formal protest with the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow held a press conference today to refute a report by UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Cambodia, Tom Andrews, concerning the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, and strongly questioned the related data. He pointed out that the report's claim of 650,000 Cambodian civilians being displaced due to the border conflict is incorrect. He explained that the data appears to refer to residents in the relevant areas during the civil war over 50 years ago, and therefore, these individuals do not meet the definition of internally displaced persons (IDPs). The dispute over the Thai-Cambodian border conflict stems from disagreements over the 800-kilometer border demarcated during the colonial era. Both countries claim sovereignty over parts of the land and several centuries-old temple ruins. Last year, clashes erupted on the Thai-Cambodian border, resulting in severe casualties. Sihasak further emphasized that the report overlooks Thailand's losses, including civilian casualties and damage to Thai schools and hospitals caused by military attacks. He stressed that Thailand is not the party that initiated the border conflict. He added that the report is a document submitted by the Special Rapporteur in his official capacity, not an official UN report, and has not yet been deliberated by the UN Human Rights Council. Member states can still submit their opinions. The Thai government expressed deep concern over Cambodia's selective use of the Special Rapporteur's content for political propaganda. Sihasak pointed out that this selective amplification violates the bilateral agreement reached by the leaders of both countries during the ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines. At that time, both sides agreed to refrain from verbal or public attacks against each other. Thailand will file a formal protest with the UN Human Rights Council and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding this report. "Khaosod English" reported today that Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also expressed his refutation and opposition to the report. He said that Andrews' report was issued without hearing the Thai side's opinion, and "Thailand does not accept the related claims." (Editor: Chen Wen-wei)